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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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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How Long Does It Take To Install a Toilet? (Find Out Now!)

Toilet flushing accounts for a huge percent of a homeowner’s water bill. This in part explains why toilet installation is important. Toilet installation can be done by yourself or by hiring a professional, and often toilet installation only takes a few hours! 

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Toilet Flushes Slow But Is Not Clogged? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

No fixture is more synonymous with the modern bathroom than the toilet. When this essential fixture is working properly, it provides a much-needed function. When a toilet malfunctions, however, the problem is either major or minor.

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How to Cut Quarter Round With A Miter Saw

Quarter round molding is utilized in a wide variety of trim projects and can be a lovely finishing touch to most rooms. Essentially quarter round includes two sides forming a 90-degree angle and the third side is a curve equal to one-quarter of an entire circle. It’s a long trim consisting of very flexible lengths typically made of oak, wood, hemlock, MDF, pine and sometimes polystyrene.

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Zero Lot Line House Plans (with Real Examples)

Zero-lot-line house plans combat the issue of land availability and give homeowners the option to build an affordable home. These homes require less material and therefore they cost less. If you want to build a zero-lot-line house plan, use this as a guide. 

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6 Types Of Toilet Flanges (With Photos)

It is easy to overlook toilet flanges, but they are just as important as the drainpipe itself. A toilet flange connects the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor or subfloor. So, what are the main types of toilet flanges?

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Vikrell Vs. Acrylic Bathroom Fixtures: Which Is Better?

When planning your bathroom remodel, you must decide what type of shower, tub surround, and sink fits your needs best. Many homeowners narrow the choices down to two types, Vikrell or acrylic. To make the best choice, you must understand the differences between Vikrell and acrylic.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Backflow Preventer?

Have you ever had dirty water flow back into your home via a toilet, sink, or other fixture? Saying that it’s an unpleasant sight would be quite an understatement. Dealing with backflow is a nightmare and that’s why you need to put measures in place that will prevent it.

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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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How High Should Tile Go In Your Shower?

It is difficult to design and install a shower when you consider how crucial every step is. Everything from the drainage and slope to the showerhead and tiles affect your shower’s performance. With that said, how high should tile go in your shower?

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Why Is There A Septic Smell In Your Basement?

No matter what you use your basement for, an unpleasant septic smell makes you want to stay as far away as possible. Whether your basement is for storage, a workshop, or a bonus room, it becomes virtually useless if it smells like sewage.

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What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service Underground?

If you are running an underground 200 amp service, then you may be wondering what size wire to use in your installation. We’re going to answer that question for you, however, keep in mind that you may need a permit and that a professional should do the installation.

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How Much Does Oil Tank Replacement Cost?

Oil tanks store the fuel households need to power their HVAC systems. They serve as the main resource for the comforting heating we need to get through the coldest winters. Depending on where you live, your oil tank may be one of the most important fixtures on your property.

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How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Chimney?

The importance of having a functional chimney should never be overlooked. You need your chimney to usher out the products of combustion that are produced whenever the fireplace is in use. If your chimney is not working as intended, those gases could linger in your home and harm your family.

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How to Lay Flagstone On Dirt (In a Few Easy Steps)

Flagstone is a common flat stone, usually cut into square or rectangular shapes to be used in landscaping. The material is incredibly adaptable and often used for patios, walkways, flooring, fences, small retaining walls and even some roofing. The flagstone is split into layers to create the stones for landscaping.

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Do Light Switches Need To Be Grounded?

Light switches are a major feature in the electrical system of a home. They are located in every room and some rooms have multiple switches. The switches in older homes were not grounded but due to new safety regulations, many new construction homes do have grounded light switches.

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Does GFCI Protect Against Surges?

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.

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What Is A Bulkhead Basement? (Find Out Now!)

Ever been to the northeast? You might have noticed these strange metal doors on the ground near some of the homes. Do those mysterious structures lead to Narnia? Not quite. While basement bulkheads aren’t the most common, they are practical structures that will connect you to the underground basement of a home.

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How Much Does Home Depot Charge For Cabinet Installation?

Depending on the style and type of cabinets you wish to buy at Home Depot, prices can vary quite a bit.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Maple Hardwood Flooring?

Maple hardwood flooring has been around since Colonial times. As a part of the all-American aesthetic, maple flooring remains popular throughout the United States. Of course, part of the reason it’s so common is that maple was one of the only hardwoods Colonial folk had available to them. However, things have changed. So, is it worth getting your flooring done in this wood style anymore?

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What To Put Around Foundation Of House (Here's What You Can Do)

Whether you’re building a new house or want to do some work around your old one, it’s a good idea to have something around your foundation. Having something around the foundation of your house is an excellent way to improve its looks and provide protection. But are there certain things that are better around a home than others?

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How Much Does It Cost to Install Kitchen Backsplash?

A beautiful kitchen can work wonders for just about any type of home. Preparing your favorite treats inside a gorgeous kitchen is a delightful experience unlike any other. If you’re interested in redesigning your home kitchen, don’t forget to do something about the ever-present backsplash.

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Can You Use Drano In A Toilet (6 Reasons Why You Should Not)

Toilet clogs are a nuisance, especially when you only have one toilet in your home! You use Drano on your sinks and bathtubs, so you should be able to use it in your toilet, right? After all, it’s designed to eat through clogs. Or, are we wrong?

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How To Quiet A Noisy Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is a real savior in the hottest months. One AC unit can turn a completely unbearable sunrise into a pleasant morning in bed under the covers. There is so much to be thankful for when it comes to having the modern convenience of temperature and humidity control. But sometimes air conditioners are very loud. In fact, an AC unit can get so loud, it is hard to concentrate on anything else. But how do you quiet a noisy air conditioner?

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What To Do With An Old Toilet (Find Out Now!)

Odds are, you’ve never really had to think about how to throw a toilet away. It’s not a project homeowners deal with on a regular basis, but it’s safe to say that it will happen at some point or another. The average lifespan of a toilet is 10 to 15 years. So, what can you do after that?

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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.

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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.

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Why Does My GFCI Trip When I Turn On The Light Switch?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCIs, are a necessary safety measure in modern times. They can prevent harmful ground faults that can cause dangerous and expensive electrical problems. So, why does my GFCI trip when I turn on the light switch?

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End Nailing Vs Joist Hangers: Types & Common Uses

Building things with your own two hands is the best feeling in the world. But anything you are building should be done safely and solidly, or your plans (and your project) could fail. Although end nailing may be easier and faster, it is not usually the best choice when building.

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12' X 8' Shed Plans (with Drawings)

Sheds are convenient for extra storage, holding everything from tools to lawn care equipment and sports gear. However, nowadays, sheds can be a lot more than just a place to stash your stuff. People use them as cabanas, workshops, small playrooms, and much more. 

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Contractor Left Micro Scratches on Acrylic Tub (We Have a Fix)

When a contractor comes into your home you trust them to construct, install, work on, or repair whatever you have hired them to come and do. Unfortunately, sometimes they are not as careful as you would like, and they can leave scratches on what they are working on. 

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What Is A Batch Feed Garbage Disposal? (Find Out Now!)

You might assume that shopping for a garbage disposal is a quick, in-and-out kind of job. However, what you might not realize is that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of options for you to choose from. You’ll generally find models grouped into two categories – batch feed and continuous feed.

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How Much Does a Chimney Cap Cost?

The chimney serves a vital role in your home as it provides an exit for the harmful gases produced during combustion. Instead of those gases lingering inside your home and potentially causing problems, they are just carried out by the chimney. Your chimney has an important job to do and you need to keep it protected.

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9 Types Of Chimney Caps (With Photos)

Chimneys offer curb appeal, functionality, and a classic vibe that appeals to countless homeowners. They are easy to spot from the street, but their primary benefit is that chimney caps protect your roof and fireplace. With all of the benefits that chimney caps have to offer; how many types are there?

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Does A Bathroom Vanity Need A Backsplash?

A 4-inch backsplash that matches the granite surface was included with my bathroom vanity. Since the backsplash isn’t really exciting to look at, I questioned if I even needed it and whether it would be good to remove it.

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How Much Does A Home Addition Cost In Arkansas?

Arkansas is one of the most affordable states in which to live. In general, homeowners in Arkansas who make additions to their homes find the projects affordable. The basic cost of an addition to an existing home in Arkansas falls between $77.80 and $118.57 per square foot. The average cost of home additions in Arkansas is approximately $14.139.

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Do You Need A Permit To Finish A Basement In Pennsylvania?

When you are beginning the process of home renovations, it can be difficult to determine which repairs will require permits. Permit regulations vary on the extent of the project and depend on the state and city in which you reside. Therefore, Pennsylvania homeowners may be unsure if they need a permit to finish a basement in Pennsylvania.

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Can You Nail Down Laminate Flooring? (Find Out Now!)

For many years, laminate flooring has been one of the most popular alternatives for hardwood used by homeowners. It is designed to mimic real wood, but is more affordable, DIY friendly, relatively easy to clean and maintain, and scratch-resistant than traditional hardwood.

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Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Tree Removal?

Dealing with a tree that falls on your property is a nightmare. Not only is it a major inconvenience, but it can also be expensive to remove if you don’t get any help. So, does homeowner insurance cover tree removal?

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Can You Paint Over Thompson's Water Seal?

If you need to have wood waterproofed, then chances are you’ve applied Thompson’s Water Seal to it. This waterproofing stain is known for being one of the best in the home improvement world when it comes to keeping your materials looking great. Of course, many of us want to make our projects look even better with a fresh coat of paint. But, is this actually doable?

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What Size Mirror For A 36 Inch Vanity? (Find Out Now!)

Mirror size and placement relating to your vanity can make or break your room’s aesthetic. That’s why it’s so important to get the right fit for your space. If you have a 36-inch vanity that needs a mirror to accompany it, you’re in the right place.

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50 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have In Their Home

If you recently purchased a home and have fallen in love with the DIY world, you probably have tools on your mind. There is a tool for pretty much everything you can think of, and even for things you don’t even know exist. 

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How To Keep A Backyard Pond Clean

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?

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Can You Put A Dimmable Bulb In A Non-Dimmable Socket?

As the US moves away from incandescent light bulbs in favor of LED lighting, there are some issues to consider. Many people are unfamiliar with the operating characteristics of LED light bulbs and have questions about replacing their incandescent bulbs. One often asked question is about using dimmable LED light bulbs in sockets not equipped with a dimmer switch.

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How Do I Make My House Quieter?

Everyone wants a home that gives them a quiet place to relax and unwind. But if your house isn’t quite the peaceful retreat of your dreams, what can you do? Whether you’re dealing with a small space, a busy street, or a house that echoes like the Grand Canyon, you can make your house quieter.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Wall-Mounted Faucets?

When doing home renovations, the placement of a bathroom or kitchen faucet can be an afterthought. It’s one of those design elements we don’t really think about— a faucet is a faucet is a faucet, right? Wrong!

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How To Build A Freestanding Pallet Wall

Hipster homes love industrial looks. This is a fact we all know. Pallet furniture has been a staple of hipsters for ages, and truthfully, it’s a good look. Pallets can be turned into tables, beds, and, yes, freestanding walls, too. If you’ve been looking for a cheap way to make a freestanding wall, the answer might just be found in a pile of pallets.

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How To Remove Wood Stain From Concrete

Wood stain is a great way to freshen up a drab piece of wood furniture by bringing it new vigor and added protection. Unfortunately, while wood stain might be a miracle worker when applied to wood, it is more of a nightmare when it spills on concrete.

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Tips For Building A Cheap And Safe Fire Pit In Your Yard

The most important question you need to ask yourself before building a fire pit is “What are the local laws and regulations about outdoor fire features?” This question is so critical, because it will likely dictate a lot about your fire pit, including its size and location.

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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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How Much Does a Brick or Stone Wall Cost?

Brick or stone walls can be terrific additions to just about any type of outdoor landscape. Once installed, those walls can be used to enhance the landscape, organize your yard, or even provide more privacy. You can also use those brick or stone walls to complete new structures you’re building outside like a kitchen.

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The 9 Cheapest Ways To Soundproof A Basement Ceiling

The basement can be your refuge. Maybe it is the hangout for your teens or the practice room for your band. Perhaps it is your office, and you need quiet to focus and get work done.

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How Long Does It Take For The Power To Come Back On?

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?”

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Gorilla Ladders Vs. Little Giant: Which Ladder Is Best?

Choosing the right ladder can be tough because there are so many brands that make them, and many are similar. Good ladder manufacturers not only create a wide variety of ladder heights, but also several options for materials and purpose.

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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.

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Why Do Dimmer Switches Get Hot? (Find Out Now!)

Dimmer switches can often take people by surprise with the heat they emit, particularly if they aren’t used to using them in the house. It can be shocking, true. However, there is a difference between a warm dimmer switch and one that it hot enough to make you go “OW!” Are you one of the many people curious about the reasons why dimmer switches seem to turn up the heat.

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Accidentally Flushed A Clorox ToiletWand Head? (We Have A Fix)

At least once in everyone’s life, they have flushed something down the toilet on accident. The head to a Clorox Toilet Wand is tricky and easy to detach while cleaning the toilet bowl. All it takes is the slip of the hand to hit the trigger release, and down it goes.

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Can You Put A Basement Under A Mobile Home? (Find Out Now!)

If you choose a mobile home for your dwelling, you have a few different options for your foundation type. These usually fall into two main categories, permanent foundations, and non-permanent foundations. One type of permanent foundation that offers you flexibility and extra storage space is a basement. However, is this type of foundation possible with a mobile home?

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How To Fix A Shower Diverter Gate (Step-by-Step Guide)

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.

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