While floors and flooring materials might be unique, the issues they cause are not. Learn how you can address common flooring problems - including squeaky floors, popping tiles, buckling floors, chipped tiles, scratched or faded hardwood floors, cracked concrete floors, and more.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets that shut off when it senses an overload or surge in electricity. The GFCI outlet instantly trips when experiencing a power surge, triggering the breaker to cut the electrical current to reduce the risk of electrocution. Most building codes require the use of a GFCI outlet when installed near a water or moisture source due to the increased risk of an appliance shorting.
There are many repairs and minor updates that will make your home more appealing to potential buyers and avoid problems during a home inspection. Suggested repairs and updates include patching holes and cracks in walls, HVAC maintenance, repairing or replacing bathroom and kitchen faucets, addressing water damage and mold issues, and repairing faulty wiring. Consider making these 10 repairs and updates to avoid deterring potential home buyers.
A 2021 research study found that certain paint colors can increase the selling price of a home by as much as $5,000. The findings were based on an average U.S. home price of $290,000. For a kitchen, the study found that white was the buyer's preference, while for bathrooms and bedrooms, shades of blue were preferred. Learn about which specific paint colors may increase the selling price of your home.
Consider completing these 11 home renovations before a baby arrives to avoid inconvenience, noise, or health and safety of the baby. Projects to consider completing include refinishing floors, bathroom and kitchen renovations and repairs, mold remediation, and painting and staining. Learn about projects to complete and why it's best to have these finished before bringing a baby into a home.
It might make sense that liquid dish soap could be substituted for dishwasher detergent, however, that's not the case. While dishwasher detergent is a soap, it doesn’t work the same. Dishwashing detergent is designed to clean with a thick foam of suds, while dishwasher detergent relies on enzymes to remove grime. Learn why these detergents are not perfectly interchangeable, what happens if you use dish soap in a dishwasher, and homemade detergent options.
Coverage for mold remediation under a homeowners insurance policy depends on the cause of the mold and the policy. Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover mold caused by floods or storm surges, however, mold remediation is usually covered when caused by a malfunctioning appliance. Learn more about typical homeowners insurance coverage for mold remediation.
It’s essential to remediate mold as soon as possible so the mold spores don’t spread. Mold can cause several health conditions and cause wooden surfaces to rot. Learn about what kills mold and stops the spread within the home.
Stainless steel appliances have a natural film that help them look great for years. To keep your stainless steel appliances looking new, you need to maintain this protective layer with regular cleaning. If not maintained, the surface can be scratched, dulled, or worn away. Learn about mistakes to avoid when cleaning stainless steel.
Filters in your dishwasher prevent chunks of food from entering your plumbing and protect pipes from clogging. These filters are can be cleaned by a consumer and with some effort, you’ll be able to fix the issue without a plumber. However, there are times when a plumber may be necessary to clear a drain line or there’s a failure of a control panel or pump.