If you’re getting ready to install a new toilet, you’re going to have a lot of options to consider when it comes to style, features, sizes, and flushing styles, too. Nowadays, flushing systems can be categorized into two main types: button flush and handle flush.

If you are thinking about building your own home, you probably have a lot of questions. There is a ton of information and research to be done before even getting started on a plan. The first thing you really need to know though is how much it is going to cost you.

Back when I first started to write for this site, I was floored to find out that most homes need to be rewired every 20 to 30 years. It made me hit the pause button. I mean, how can you rewire a house without taking it entirely apart? Can you even do it without the removal of your drywall?

You may find a situation where you need an electrical outlet under the sink cabinet in your kitchen. The most obvious reason would be the installation of garbage disposal in a sink that was not previously equipped. If a dishwasher is installed, you may also need an outlet under the sink to provide power to the dishwasher. From the standpoint of electrical codes, is it legal to put an electrical outlet under a sink?

Searching for the best lighting to fit an unfinished basement can be a challenge. Their barren concrete walls feel sterile and do not do well with reflecting light, and exposed floor joists can create odd shadows. Additionally, the process of mounting a lighting fixture in an unfinished basement is very different from installing them on a finished ceiling.

Are you trying to figure out which type of siding is going to look best on your home? The variety of available options can make finding the right type of siding difficult. While exploring your options, don’t forget about the merits of stucco.

Vinyl floor planking is a widely popular and cost effective flooring option. At $2-$7 per square foot, vinyl floor planking is a great option for homeowners trying to save money. However, many homeowners wonder if vinyl floor planking can be installed on their uneven floor.

Sump pumps are not exactly the type of thing most people like to talk about. They’re just…there. Sump pumps are meant to divert moisture and water from basements away from a house. That’s great, especially the part where they pump all the moisture away. However, figuring out how to divert the sump pump discharge can be a difficult issue. How do you do this?

Summer is the perfect time for home improvement, and a good place to start is your detached garage so you can get ready for the harsher winter weather when it arrives.

In order to ensure that any project you build lasts, you want to start with a strong foundation. This is especially true when considering the paver base for your project. Traditionally, the base used for a paver patio or walkway is a layer of crushed gravel about six inches deep. If you’re building a standard patio, you will most likely be hauling out several tons of soil and carting in the same amount of gravel.

Like any other outdoor room, porches are simply a continuation of your living space. Although all porches provide a space that bridges the gap between the outside world and the inside of your home, not all porches are created equal. Some porches are meant to greet visitors, while others are designed more for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in an enclosed area.

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.

Durock and Hardiebacker are two manufacturers of cement-based backer boards. Generally, it comes down to contractor preference as to which kind of product they will go with on a job. They tend to go with what they know, which can create a product bias. So, when it comes to Durock vs Hardiebacker, which one is the best?

Most modern homeowners would do anything to reduce their bills. Low-flow showerheads are increasingly common, and many people switch to them to save money. So, how do low-flow showerheads work, and do they save money?

When it comes to kitchen flooring, you have tens of options, including hardwood, natural stone, ceramic tile, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, and cork. Most homeowners end up narrowing down to tile and hardwood, but then, deciding between the two is often difficult. This decision will only be easy if you understand the  benefits and drawbacks of the two flooring materials.

It is all too easy to misplace an old skeleton key. Even if you have your skeleton key on hand, it may not be able to unlock a vintage lock. Because of that, many homeowners are left with their hands in the air wondering how they can pick a skeleton key lock.

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.

It’s true that your toilet is designed to handle liquid waste, but that doesn’t mean urine won’t affect it over time. It’s no secret that you should be cleaning your toilet often to keep bacteria at bay and ensure your space looks and smells good, too. Everyone urinates, but what does that really mean for your toilet over time? The main impact comes in the form of urine scale.

The back door is not usually given a second thought. Most people think of it as strictly a means to the outdoor or back yard. And rarely is it considered a design component of a room.

What kind of flooring do you want to install inside your home? It can be tough to pinpoint a standout candidate given the sheer number of options available. While browsing your options, you cannot forget to take a closer look at marble flooring because it presents some terrific qualities.

When I most recently went to parts of the Jersey Shore that were seriously ravaged by Superstorm Sandy, I noticed that something was a little different from how things used to be. The homes started to look a bit…different? Yeah, that’s the word. Apparently, island basements became part of the building code in many towns. But, what did that even mean?!

When it comes to renovation projects, there are so many variables in play that any one of them could throw a project off balance. This is because most of them require precise measurements and even surfaces to pull off accurately. Sometimes, you’ll have to deal with uneven walls, but what if you’re installing door trim? How do you install door trim with uneven walls?

Making it through the fall and winter seasons without your furnace can be a downright impossible task. You need the heating it provides to comfortably sleep through those cold nights. If you don’t have a furnace just yet, it’s probably near the top of your shopping list already.

Window frames are fantastic for providing natural light, but if they have gaps between the frame and the siding, then you may be letting in cold air. When it comes to filling those gaps with seal, you may have to choose between glazing putty and caulk. Follow along as we explore the cost and effects of each to help you decide.

How many people does it take to change a light bulb? This old joke comes with a variety of tongue-in-cheek answers. However, when we start talking about changing a light switch, the jokes die down a bit. Changing out your old almond light switch for a more modern look is not as hard as it may seem. However, if you are new to the game, it is better to call an electrician or try it out under the eye of someone experienced in the field.

Is there anything more annoying than quietly tip-toeing through your home and the floor beneath your carpet starts making loud squeaking sounds? The floors in your home can alter and shift a bit over time. In many cases, this causes no issues. But sometimes you are left with floors that squeak underneath your carpet.

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 isn’t typically something we give much thought to until we plug in that appliance or flip the light switch, only to have everything in the room go black. Then, the question of how many watts can our  amp panel handle becomes one of the first things we start thinking about. Funny, how being left in the dark can inspire us to seek answers. And in this case, those answers will be about the power that literally gives us the light we need to see.

Choosing the right finish can ultimately determine how good a particular surface looks. A finish can make floors, cabinets, and crafts look better than before, but only if you choose the right one. So, what is the difference between polycrylic and polyurethane?

Colorado is one of the premier vacation destinations in the United States. As people visit, many are deciding that Colorado is the place to live as well. Colorado is rapidly becoming a favored relocation area for many families. Learn about building in Colorado and how much your new home may cost in this article.

Before GFCIs and self-grounding electrical outlets, there were a lot more individuals getting electrocuted by rogue currents. But now, it’s very rare for such an event to happen, mainly because of the two devices above.

If you live in a windy area, it is not easy to keep warm water. Your pilot light is one that suffers from consequences. So, how do you stop a pilot light from blowing out on your water heater?

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.

Hail can cause a significant amount of damage to your home and your property. It may look relatively unharmful, but it can pack some power upon landing.

With every single year that passes, it seems like a new type of siding is being made. The newest type of siding to hit stores is Liquid Vinyl Siding. This sounds a bit sci-fi at first. (Like, can you have a liquid part of a house exterior?!) Though it sounds futuristic, the future is now. All you need to do is know what liquid vinyl siding really is and what it means for your home.

Depending on the layout of your property, there may be a slope at the rear of the property. In designs like these, there is usually space that offers additional means to get the most out of your home’s floor plan.

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.

Idaho runs neck and neck with Texas as the current most popular state for relocation. Low population densities, low costs of living, beautiful landscapes, and many other positives make Idaho a haven for many people. In addition, the cost of building a home in Idaho is a favorable factor.

Having a home with a backyard is a blessing. It allows you the opportunity to enjoy nature, peace, and tranquility, especially in the summer months. There are all sorts of leisure activities perfect for the backyard, including grilling, sunbathing, and reading. But if your backyard is near a busy street, your backyard tranquility might be stifled by irritating noises. While it is easy to block the sight of traffic, is it possible to reduce the traffic noise in your backyard?

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?

Building a new home on a budget is a rewarding endeavor. But these days, finding the right materials at a low price can be a real challenge. Prices continue to increase and sometimes materials are difficult to find, which makes them even more costly. If you are on a tight budget when building a home, you will want to search high and low to find cheap or free materials to incorporate into your home building project.

When you are working on installing your bathroom sink’s plumbing, a lot of things can go wrong. Like, a lot, a lot. One of the most aggravating issues that many people have when they are trying to DIY a sink setup is having a sink drain pipe that doesn’t line up or meet the P-trap. Obviously, this renders the sink pretty useless until you can get this fixed. But, what exactly is the fix for this problem?

Investing in an apartment building is one fantastic way to build up your financial portfolio.  You can live in one of the units, manage the property yourself, and collect rent to pay off the mortgage.  Depending on your resources, you could decide to invest in a duplex, a triplex, or even a 6-unit building.

Do you have a home improvement project coming up? Are you thinking about doing up the exteriors of your home? Then it is imperative that you zero in on the right exterior house paint. Your choice of materials for the job will determine whether you are making a sound and sensible investment or just increasing your costs.

Choosing the right flooring is a big commitment that affects your home’s character, and it is also a financial commitment. It is expensive to buy and install new flooring, so it is ideal to get the best selection and deal possible. So, what is the best time to buy flooring?

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.

Every now and again, repairs need to be made around the home. The bathroom is one of the more common areas in need of repairs, oftentimes in the sink, bathtub, or shower. Knowing the best ways to tackle those repairs can mean the difference between a successful repair and one that carries on for way longer than it needs to.

If you just installed a floating floor, you might be wondering: Can a floating floor be glued down? If you find that the pieces are shifting after installation, it can feel tempting to just grab a glue or nail gun and put an end to the shifting.

Have you ever noticed moisture between the window panes of your house? If so, then you know how annoying it can be. Since it is a hard-to-reach place, it can be tricky to get rid of this condensation.

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.

When a hardwood floor is freshly cleaned, it can leave a natural shine. Properly cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors is critical to ensure they stay looking great for many years. This makes finding the right floor cleaning routine all the more important. You might even wonder if you can use your steam mop to clean your hardwood floors.

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. 

Replacing an existing standard bathtub with a walk-in shower has become a popular remodeling project for many homes. While these replacements are usually straightforward installations, there can be some unforeseen issues. Bathtubs usually have a 1-1/2 inch drainpipe. Can you use the standard 1-1/2 inch drainpipe with a shower?

Downlights, also referred to as recessed lights, are a very popular and cost-effective way to provide lighting to your living spaces. They are installed in both new constructions and home renovation projects, providing many advantages to homeowners that lack the space for traditional lighting fixtures. Recessed lights can be easily tucked in between ceiling joists to add extra lighting and ambiance, with the need for pendant or freestanding fixtures.

Have you lost your keys before? We all know we need to be careful with our house and car keys, but it’s so easy to lose them. You may not even be aware that you’ve lost your keys until the time comes for you to unlock your front door.

Support beams are important for the structural integrity of buildings. The important part is not only determining the location of these beams but the proper length and strength depending on where they are being deployed and what type ( like an I-beam).

Buying land is the American Dream. Who hasn’t had the idea of purchasing a plot of land and building the perfect home right on top of that plot? Unfortunately, there is far more to the dream than most of us realize. Like setting up utilities on that land.

Electrical service is a hallmark of modern civilization. Having electrical service is so common we tend to take it for granted. However, there are times when electricity becomes a problem. An arc or short circuit in an electrical system can quickly start a fire you our home. Many people wonder if an electrical fire can be extinguished with water?

Not only do you need strong arms to take on drywall installation, but you will need mental willpower and a strong back. Wondering how much does drywall weigh is smart since drywall installation is not something to take on if you have back problems. 

Your chewing gum has lost its flavor and you are ready to get rid of it. Before you is a toilet and a trash can. Which should you choose? We’re here to answer that question for you, so you can avoid unnecessary problems down the road.