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

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.

Have you ever noticed a strange smell coming from your bathroom? Not a lingering stink from someone not using the Poo-pourri. The earthy, musty smell, most notable after you take a shower, flush the toilet, or reach under the bathroom sink.

Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent way to get the look of hardwood floors at an affordable price. They’re also durable, many types of vinyl floors are waterproof, and they’re easy to maintain. But if you don’t take care of them, they can get dull over time. Luckily, it’s easy to make vinyl plank floors shine like new.

Interior walls do a great job of defining the space you have available. You can use them to create defined areas and introduce more harmony into your home. Those interior walls can also be used to provide support and a decorative flourish, assuming that you’ve framed them properly.

The difference between cubic centimeters (cc) and horsepower (hp) is a complicated relationship with many factors. One main difference is that cc refers to the size, or volume, of an engine while hp is the measure of how much power the engine puts out.

Installing insulation isn’t the most exciting home improvement project, but it is a necessary one. As you probably already know, using insulation in your home is essential for improving efficiency and comfort. But how do you decide what kind of insulation is the best choice for your home? One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: what is the difference between R13 and R15 insulation?

When you installed that countertop, you expected it to be there forever. And, so far, it was. Formica countertops are a remarkably sturdy type of countertop. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, you need to trim it down. The problem is that Formica countertops are hard to slice through once they’re added to your kitchen. So, how do you cut your Formica countertop if it’s already installed?

If you’re considering waterproofing your basement, there are two main methods to look into. Both the interior and exterior basement waterproofing processes come with their own pros and cons. This article will cover both methods in detail to help you decide which is the best for your home.

Rainshower heads transform an ordinary bathroom into an extraordinary spa experience. The fixtures have an aesthetic and functional appeal that is hard to resist.

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.

Each home’s electrical panel has circuit breakers that act as a safety device for your home. They are each is designed in a way so as to cut power off when the current that passes through exceeds the designated rating.

When it comes to DIY fixes in the home, many people shy away from skilled trade work like plumbing. What if it goes wrong? Believe it or not, you can do some significant upgrades to plumbing fixtures without risking a big flood.

When you flush, the toilet is the water that refills the bowl coming out brown or discolored? Are you only noticing this in your toilet and not coming from any other taps (shower/sinks/etc.) throughout your home?

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.

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.

No matter your climate, one of the most important things is having a well-insulated home. This will help to keep your place warm in the winter and cool in the summertime.

The cockroach may very well be the pest that most people want nothing to do with. They are troublesome home invaders that can spread disease, ruin food, and destroy clothing. Cockroaches also excel at striking fear into our hearts when they crawl on us or fly in our direction.

Onyx is a natural stone considered to be a semi-rare gemstone. Classified as a chemical sedimentary stone, onyx forms in limestone caves from dripstone deposits. Often used in jewelry, there are several ways you can incorporate this beautiful black stone into your home!

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.

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.

The sound of your garage door opening when it shouldn’t is scary. Your garage is about more than parking your car; it’s also a gateway into your home. Every homeowner should trust their garage door to stay closed, but that’s hard when it’s faulty. So, why does my garage door open by itself?

If the exterior of your home is making you feel less than excited, it might be time for a change. Painting the exterior is a way to change the look of your home without a complete renovation. This includes painting the chimney, too, which can be a task in itself, but what’s the best color for an exterior chimney?

Every homeowner understands the importance of electrical safety. Sure, this isn’t something one thinks of daily, as usually there isn’t cause to think about the electrical systems in your home. You turn your lights on, use appliances, and go about your day without considering all that’s required to reliably provide your home with electricity day in and day out.

When you’re building your home, you are in control of everything, including the orientation of your house. That small detail is something most people don’t think about but can make a huge impact on how you experience your home. After all, the direction your house faces will impact your heating, parking, as well as the amount of sunlight you get. So, what is the best direction for a backyard to face?

Knowing how to measure a home, is important in many situations. You may need those numbers, to estimate materials for renovations, tax purposes, and also for buying and selling a home.

Painting the outside of your home is quite an undertaking, even if you live in a modest single-story dwelling. There is preparation work, setup, and all sorts of supplies necessary. You also need to find time in your schedule since this is often a project that can span many days. As you start looking at your calendar you should also look at the weather calendar as well in order to choose the best time to paint your house.

Saving energy isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also great for your wallet, as consuming excessive energy only serves to increase your energy bills each month. Smart power strips have become more popular because many homeowners believe they can save money. So, do power strips save energy?

You’re probably pretty familiar with plywood, an engineered wood product used for many different projects. But when it comes to the underlayment, things are a little more complex. Is underlayment plywood the same as the subfloor, and when should it be used?

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.

Most homes have at least one concrete floor that looks rather unsightly. Whether it’s in the garage or the basement, or even throughout the home, concrete floors can make an otherwise fabulous home look a bit drab.

You spend a lot of time modeling your kitchen. You have decided on natural hickory cabinets, but now you are wondering what color floor would go well with them. 

When building or refurbishing an area other than the home on your property, there will be a wide range of specific services that need to be attended to. One of those services is the electrical wiring and sub-panel.

Many different components make up your toilet, all of which work together to ensure it functions properly without fail. One of these crucial parts is the toilet chain. When it does what it is supposed to do, you will be able to flush your toilet in a normal fashion. It will also stop running when the tank refills again.

If you’re a fan of the popular 1960s TV show, The Munsters, then you’re likely familiar with their spooky house. The home is so recognizable that many die-hard fans even strive to recreate the look with their own homes. But, you can leave out the overgrown trees and fear factor and instead achieve a beautiful home ala the Munsters’ style.

Painting the outside of your home is a crucial and sizable undertaking for any homeowner. The job is likely to leave you spent between all the exterior prepping, paint selection, and the labor of several coats it takes to do the job right. 

New home foundations have been constructed from concrete for at least the last 50 years. Concrete is consistently ranked among the toughest materials in home improvement, offering unmatched strength and durability. Despite its toughness and enduring qualities, concrete is far from indestructible.

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.

If you’re looking for your mobile home to count as real property, you may be required to have a permanent foundation. Having a permanent foundation will broaden your financing options and make selling your home a whole lot easier.

Once upon a time, back in the 1960s, recessed lighting was used as a way to show that a home was futuristic. It was a feature on many major Hollywood sets, and to a point, one could argue that it was a self-fulfilling prophecy. By the 1990s, recessed lighting was found in any home that wanted to add a modern appeal. The trend kept going strong. And nowadays, it’s still fairly popular. But, is it nearing its end?

There will likely come a point in the life of your home where things need replacing. When it comes to replacing a toilet, you often need some helping hands to lift it. Before attempting the task solo, it’s worth knowing how much does a toilet weigh?

If you’re planning a home improvement project, then you most likely plan to take a few trips to Home Depot. The Home Depot is a one-stop shop for supplies and materials, and you can even rent tools and trucks. Plus, if your plans call for lumber, you might even be able to have Home Depot cut wood for you.

It’s the middle of the night, and you’re thirsty. The closest drink is from the bathroom sink. But is it safe to swig? Will you get sick if you sip from the tap? The answer might surprise you.

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?

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. 

Facial tissues like Kleenex and similar products can be found in most households in at least some capacity. This can be especially true when cold and flu season rolls around. These products look and feel a lot like toilet paper, so it would make sense that they are flushable, too. However, this is simply not true.

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.

We build our lives in our homes, and often our home is the greatest asset we own. Unfortunately, problems with the basement walls and foundation can put our home in jeopardy. A bowed basement wall is a big concern and one that should be addressed immediately to protect your home and investment. Fixing a bowed basement wall can be a DIY project, pending you have a minimal amount of bowing.

Many homeowners get confused about their electrical system when talking about neutrals and grounds. This confusion can lead to questions about how the circuit breaker box in your home is wired. Is it permissible to have the neutral wires and the ground wires in your home’s electrical system connected to the same bus bar in the electrical panel?

The first thing people see when they come to your house is the front porch. Whether a small humble stoop or a large wrap-around showpiece, your porch should feel welcoming and make people want to see more. Therefore, if the front of your house needs a facelift, it’s time to spruce up your front porch.

A water hammer occurs when there is a sudden increase in a pipe’s water pressure when the water is suddenly forced to stop. This occurrence often creates a loud banging sound. Water hammers do more than create an annoying level of noise. These abrupt changes can severely damage a piping system.

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.

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.

Electrical panels stick out like a sore thumb, and while they are practical, they are also visually unappealing. These eyesores are a necessary evil, but you don’t have to necessarily see them for them to be useful. There are several amazing ways to conceal an electrical panel and still access it.

Whether you’re a prepper by nature or not, you should always be prepared in the instance a flood should occur and threaten to damage your home. While you can certainly purchase the right insurance and stock up on necessary supplies, the post-flood cleanup and having to replace your treasured family belongings are not worth the energy.

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?

Sunrooms are a great way to add space to your home and bring the outdoors inside. If you are tired of your concrete patio, a sunroom may sound appealing. Can you build a sunroom on an existing concrete patio?

If you’re planning on selling your house soon or want to finish your basement just because, you’re probably wondering if its a must to get a permit. Well, if you’re thinking about skipping this process, don’t.

The right sink can be the perfect addition to tie your bathroom’s design together completely. It’s why so many DIYers have replaced at least one sink in their home improvement careers.

In this modern world with so many advances in home design, functionality, and technology, there seems to be an endless number of ways to improve your home. Whether it’s turning it into a smart home or making your house as energy efficient as possible, there are lots of ways to make your home better. Some of these improvements are personal preferences, while others can drastically increase the value of a home. Take installing an EV charger in your home for example. Is this simply a personal preference, or can installing an EV charging station increase the value of your home?