How Thick Should Interior Walls Be?
Many homeowners have asked themselves at one point or another: “Can I build a wall myself?” People consider it for many reasons – whether they are renovating a new home, preparing to sell, or trying to create more space for their growing family.
Dehumidifier Coils Not Getting Cold? (We Have A Fix)
Depending on where you live, the inside of your home may get excessively humid. An easy fix is to run a dehumidifier to suck the hot air out of any room. But what happens when it’s not working properly, and you’re stuck sweating inside?
Can A Landlord Tell You How Clean To Keep Your House?
Today over 43 million people rent their homes in the USA. Renting is especially convenient for those who find themselves moving often. However, there’s a vast gray area when it comes to landlord-tenant relationships: Can your landlord tell you how clean to keep your home?
Does Kerosene Go Bad? (Find Out Now!)
It’s a good idea for homeowners to have a backup plan in the event that the power goes out. While getting something like a generator might seem like a great idea, it’s not within everyone’s budget. This is where kerosene lamps and lanterns come in handy.
Can A Hoverboard Go On A Carpet?
When you get a new hoverboard, the first thing you want to do is hop on and get to riding. Self-balancing hoverboards are a fun and exhilarating way to get around, it’s no wonder they’re so popular.
Do You Need To Prime Fiberglass Before Painting?
Fiberglass is one of those materials that many craftsmen have a hard time with, at least when they first start working with it. This is especially true if you want to decorate it and add your own personal touch to your project.
How To Get Marshmallow Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Guide)
Marshmallows are an amazing part of almost every summer and fall season. You can’t make smores without them, and let’s just face it, Halloween wouldn’t be the same without marshmallow ghost treats. The thing is, sometimes, they can end up in awkward places…such as the carpet. So how do you get this sugary treat off your rug?
How To Get Ink Out Of A Dryer (10+ Different Ways To Do It!)
It has probably happened to everyone. One of your kids, your significant other, or maybe even you left an ink pen in your pocket and it exploded in the dryer. The clothes may end up as rags, but you do not want to throw away your dryer. So, how do you get those ink stains out of the dryer?
How To Fill The Gap For Sliding Barn Doors
Many people install barn doors in their houses to save space. No matter the door’s width, these flush against the wall taking up zero space in a room. You can install them anywhere in the house without worrying about opening and closing them. However, barn doors do have a problem. They usually end up with gaps between the door and the baseboard, as these doors need to slide over the board.
How Long Can Someone Leave Their Property At Your House?
Not too long ago, we had a friend of mine crash at our place for a while. He then left, but asked to store his backpack at our home. We said sure, but he never really came back. Days turned to weeks, then to months. Eventually, we said that if he didn’t pick up his stuff, it’d be thrown out. He arrived on the scene, ready to pick up his crap the next day. Ever wonder how long it takes before you can throw out a guest’s stuff?
Why Ridge Vents Don't Work (We Have The Answer)
There are a ton of different attic and roof vents to choose from. When you’re looking to improve your home, it’s critical to use high-quality products that get the job done.
How To Unscrew A Screw Without A Screwdriver (Do This!)
We’ve all been there at least once before – where you need to remove a screw but you lack the necessary tools. Although using a screwdriver will always be the safest, easiest, and most efficient way to remove a screw, there are other methods that can be attempted. Such methods are especially useful in a pinch when you can’t find a screwdriver, or don’t have the right type or size screwdriver on hand.
How Long Can A Generac Generator Run Continuously?
While there are many different brands of generators on the market, Generac is known for being one of the highest quality brands. Generators are a handy appliance to have in case of emergency.
How To Report A House That Should Be Condemned (It's Super Easy!)
A condemned house is one that the government has decided is unfit for any occupants. The government will seize any condemned property and all occupants must then vacate the property.
How To Fix A Gap Under A Fence Gate
When you have a dog or a cat, letting them roam around your yard just makes sense. They need fresh air, after all. Unfortunately, if you have a gap under your fence gate, the safety you are trying to offer them through your fence just won’t be there. A gap under a gate doesn’t have to be a major issue, though. All you need to do is know how to fix it.
How Much Weight Can Closetmaid Shelves Hold?
One day, not too long ago, I was at my mom’s house when I heard a loud crash. I ran to my closet where the noise was coming from and quickly noticed that the shelves had collapsed. Since then, we got Closetmaid shelving. We installed it in hopes of making sure we don’t see shelving topple again, but was it a good idea? Moreover, how much can these shelves hold?
Does WD 40 Remove Silicone Sealant?
A silicone sealant, also known as caulk, is used to provide a waterproof seal between bathtub or shower and the wall that it adjoins. Without that waterproof seal, moisture can get into the gaps and lead to mold growth if left unattended.
What Is The Best Direction For A House To Face For Sunlight?
When searching for a new house to live in, one of the most important things to consider is which direction it’s facing. The direction of your home will determine many things like the amount of sunlight it receives as well as other weather considerations.
Can You Wash Baby Bottles With Dawn? (Find Out Now!)
Wondering how you should clean your baby’s bottles? You’re not alone! Like anything regarding your baby, you want to ensure that you are upholding the highest standards for hygiene. So, this brings us to the question at hand: can you wash baby bottles with dawn dish soap?
How Long Do Mushrooms Last In The Fridge? (Find Out Now!)
Mushrooms are underappreciated ingredients that deserve to be included in more dishes. The earthy flavor they feature pairs well with so many other ingredients. Mushrooms work great in sauces, soups, and you can sauté them with garlic and butter to create a delicious appetizer.
How To Clean Soot Off Walls (Step-by-Step Guide)
In the unfortunate event of a fire, you will find yourself with a lot to clean up. Fire causes smoke, and smoke turns to soot. You might find soot stains around for other reasons, too. If you smoke cigarettes or burn candles or incense, you could leave behind soot stains.
How Many Amps Does A Microwave Use?
You can find at least one microwave in everyone’s home nowadays. But the microwave oven was not really a thing until the 80s. In fact, only a quarter of homes in America had a microwave oven in 1986, and by 2008 that number was up to 95%. But how much do you really know about your microwave oven?
Should I Buy A House With Asbestos Siding?
Many people recoil at the thought of being near asbestos. But you might be surprised to learn how common it is in older homes. If you’re thinking about buying a house with asbestos in the siding, the best thing to do is be informed. Learn more about it and the potential risks.
How To Clean A Brita Pitcher (Step-by-Step Guide)
Brita has been one of the most popular go-to’s for people who want to enjoy the taste of crisp, clean filtered water. The most common Brita device to get that delicious crispness is the Brita pitcher, a pitcher that comes with a built-in filter that you can replace. Of course, getting clean water isn’t going to happen if you don’t clean your pitcher.
How To Clean Nubuck Leather (Quickly & Easily!)
There are a variety of materials out there that present different advantages. We tend to like leather not only for its stylish look but for the fact that it is also quite durable. There is a substance known as Nubuck that is quite similar in nature to not only leather but suede as well.
Pantry Items Everyone Needs In Anticipation Of Hurricane
If you live along the coast, or in a region prone to severe weather, then you are likely aware of the danger of hurricanes and tropical storms. They can completely demolish homes and entire communities in their path. In some cases, you might even be ordered to evacuate your home when a hurricane is expected to hit. In other circumstances, it is your responsibility to hope for the best but plan for the worst. As you begin preparing your home and gathering emergency essentials, you might wonder exactly what you should buy at the grocery store to properly prepare your pantry for a hurricane.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier can be a great addition to any home in climates that are particularly humid. Not only can it be quite uncomfortable to live in that kind of humidity, but the added moisture can be a major detriment for the health and cleanliness of your home.
How To Push Back A Retaining Wall (Step-by-Step Guide)
That old retaining wall may have been beautiful when they first made it. In fact, it was probably necessary to protect your yard from erosion or dangerous slopes. However, if you need more room in your yard and you have this big retaining wall in the way, what can you do?
5 Lawnmower Brands to Avoid (Buy These Push Mower Brands Instead)
Your lawnmower is an essential tool for yard upkeep. Without it, keeping your grass looking its neatest and brightest would be an incredibly difficult task. But that doesn’t mean all lawnmowers are created equally, either.
How To Get Fresh Or Dried Blood Out Of Carpet (6 Ways To Do It!)
Getting blood stains on your carpet can be a very problematic experience. Whether you get a small or large amount of blood on the carpet, it can have a staining effect which can seem quite irremovable at first. Fortunately, however, there are a few surefire ways to clear up the mess.
Can A Boiler Explode? (Here Are Some Telltale Signs)
Boilers play an important role in any home. These units work by heating water and the house with steam. The steam travels through the house in pipes and radiators. Boilers are expensive to install, but have a long lifespan and are energy efficient.
How To Get Wax Out Of Carpet (5 Ways To Do It!)
While carpets are typically easy to clean, wax stains on them can prove a little stubborn. However, there are ways to get that wax off. With the appropriate use of a few household items, you can get rid of every trace of wax on your carpet.
Why Does My Wall Get Hot When My Gas Fireplace Is On?
Gas fireplaces are a dream addition to homes for American homeowners because there is a certain charm to them. And to top it off, they are gas efficient, affordable, and look good in any setting.
How To Fix Laminate Countertops With Water Damage
Laminate countertops are a great addition to any kitchen. They’re durable, look great, and are long-lasting. Just like anything else in your home, it can be affected by water damage.
Does A Concrete Driveway Increase Property Value?
While there are many options to pave your driveway, concrete is a popular and wallet-friendly choice. The following are some of the many benefits to paving your driveway with concrete:
How To Keep Thanksgiving Food Hot When Your Kitchen Space Is Limited
There are few meals more impressive than the vast and varied spread of a well-prepared Thanksgiving dinner. The menu almost always includes a delicious and juicy turkey that takes center stage, but the poultry is just a small fraction of the meal.
Are Pedestals For Washers And Dryers Worth It?
Older adults, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues may find washing clothes a chore. The simple task of taking clothes out of the machine after a cycle and putting in a new batch of laundry can put quite a lot of strain on the back. In that case, a laundry platform is a perfect fit for the situation.
Can I Stack A Different Brand of Washer and Dryer?
A washer and dryer combo is an essential in any homes. Stacking a washer and dryer takes up less space than having them side by side, and it is quite common.
How To Tell If the Refrigerator Start Relay Is Bad
There are many different components to your fridge. When one of them goes bad, there is a chance that your fridge may not work efficiently and could stop working altogether. Identifying the various components can be difficult, particularly if you don’t know what to look for.
Can You Replace The Glass Top On A GE Stove?
Not too long ago, I had a friend who’s reckless cooking habits ended up making a huge dent in their kitchen. More specifically, a pot that was tossed on a glass stovetop ended up causing the glass to break.
How to Get Rid of Mold on Floor Joists in a Crawl Space
Have you ever gone into the crawl space under your house and smelled the mildew and musk? This scent indicates that there’s a lot of moisture, which is a universal issue in crawl spaces. But this moisture leads to mold which causes lots of damage, so you need to know how to get rid of mold on floor joists in a crawl space.
How To Dispose Of Battery Acid (Step-by-Step Guide)
Battery acid can refer to any acid that is used in a chemical cell or battery. There are different types of acids within batteries, depending on if it is a lead-acid battery or an alkaline battery. Because car or automotive battery acid is 30-50% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water, it is important to dispose of battery acid in the safest way possible.
Do I Need A Permit To Install Solar Panels?
Making the switch to solar is one of the biggest decisions in a homeowner’s life. Whether you want to save money on your electricity or get completely off the grid, there are options for you.
Does It Cost More Money To Do Dishes By Hand Or Run The Dishwasher?
Washing dishes is part of everyday life as an adult. While the task of washing by hand can be a bit tedious, there are all sorts of devices and accessories that make washing dishes less annoying. The dishwasher is the best example of a device that makes doing dishes less time- and energy-consuming. But if you are worried about your energy costs, you might wonder if it costs more to do dishes by hand, or in a dishwasher.
Best Basement Ventilation Fans: Will They Help Avoid Humidity?
The basement, more than any other area of the home, can become a storehouse for mold growth, moisture concerns, high humidity levels, unpleasant smells and any other indoor contaminants. While unventilated basements are very often prone to stale odors caused by mildew, this lower level is also ordinarily used to store household chemicals.
Tiny Bugs In The Kitchen? (Here's What You Can Do)
Bugs are a pesky invader anywhere in your home. If you find bugs in your kitchen, it can be especially horrible. This can spell trouble for all the food you’ve got in the pantry!
Kenmore Series 70 Washer Won't Drain? (We Have A Fix)
Nothing is a bigger pain than when your appliances start to act up and no longer perform like they are supposed to. Kenmore is an excellent name in the washer space, but even they act up from time to time and have problems like not draining. Even though you can make a service call on it, it is best to try and fix it yourself if you have an idea of what is going on and think you can help.
Can You Wash A Moving Blanket? (Find Out Now!)
Moving blankets protect your furniture from scratches, dents, and any other damage during the moving process. Whether you recently rented a moving blanket or invested in one, it’s useful to know how to care for it.
Can Tervis Tumblers Go In The Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)
There are few items that are as notoriously unsafe for the dishwasher as a plastic tumbler. Even when you have a tumbler from Tervis, there’s a good chance that you might have concerns about using dishwashers to clean it off. But, Tervis is so durable! It should be able to be washed by a machine, right? Well, we decided to do a little research to find out the truth behind this issue.
How To Dissolve Baby Wipes In A Septic Tank
Although some are listed as flushable, it is often a common misconception that baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. However, if it has already happened, is there any way to dissolve baby wipes in the septic tank?
Can A Whole House Fan Cause Mold? (Find Out Now!)
Keeping your home cool provides improved comfort but it can also lead to an increase in electric bills each month. That can facilitate the need for homeowners to implement additional measures of cooling a home. Whole house fans are a common way of doing this, but some people worry that a whole house fan causes mold.
Spackle Vs. Joint Compound: Which Is Better For Covering Holes?
When repairing sheetrock, or prepping walls for paint, you have the option to use spackle, and joint compound. Each one has its uses, so we’re going to break down the differences between the two, as well as when to use them.
Car Parked In Front of My House: Can I Have It Towed?
It can be extremely frustrating to see a stranger’s car parked in front of your house. Things only get more annoying the longer that the car stays there, and it can feel like a violation. So, is it legal for them to park there and can you have their car towed?
How To Keep Rain From Blowing On Your Porch
Porches are a great addition to any home, especially if you love seeing life outside your home without the elements hitting you. Many people enjoy having indoor furniture on their porches, but the truth is that this can cause problems with your furniture if the rain keeps blowing on your porch.
Can You Wash Polyester Curtains? (Find Out Now!)
Curtains can be one of those “set it and forget it” home décor items. To be honest, I’m not sure that I’ve ever washed a curtain. But that doesn’t mean you can’t! You have to consider the material, of course, as well as a few other things.
The Pros and Cons of Whole House Surge Protectors [Explained]
We all love our home, property, and valuables. Yet, a surge of power can damage our electrical components and appliances. Power surges can destroy your electrical circuits, which is why you need to prepare your house for events like this. But how do you do it? Have you heard of a whole house surge protector?
Is Acrylic Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)
If you’re looking for the ideal drinkware for daily use, acrylic glasses are an excellent choice. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also incredibly durable and versatile. This makes them perfect for home, commercial, and even industrial situations. But, how do you clean acrylic glasses? Or, more specifically, “Is acrylic dishwasher safe?”
How Long Can You Leave a Window Air Conditioner Running?
If you live in a climate that is often hot, the thought of leaving a window air conditioner running all the time probably seems like a great idea. Before you do, though, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How to Get Rid of Hoverflies (Step By Step Guide)
Hoverflies are pesky little insects that love your garden as much as you. While they’re necessary for the ecosystem, they can still be a nuisance. This is especially true if they occupy your home.
How To Fix A Doorbell That Keeps Ringing (Do This!)
Doorbells are a great invention. It seems like you either get the soft-knockers at your door or the overly-loud people who bang on your door. Over time, you’ll either miss people at your door or become annoyed with the people who endeavor to bang loudly. However, what’s even more annoying, is a doorbell that keeps ringing, especially if you can’t seem to turn it off! So, how do you fix it?