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What to Know About Removing Wood Paneling

July 12, 2021

Homes of the past can be time capsules of design styles from long ago. From shag carpeting to floral wallpaper, these features can take you back in a house’s history. But you might feel as if your home looks a bit outdated for your liking. Wood paneling is a common style used in homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s whose heyday has certainly come and gone. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to do a quick update! Tools for the Job Removing wood paneling is relatively quick and easy, making it a great weekend project! As you get ready to demo, make sure that you have: You can also get the materials you need to hang drywall to replace the paneling. Depending on how big of an area you’re remodeling, it might be worth it to rent a dumpster so that everything gets disposed of properly. Set Up the Room As with any project, you want to protect the spots you aren’t going to be working on. Before you start ripping off any paneling, lay down plastic sheeting. This will prevent dust from getting everywhere and also catch loose nails. Take off any outlet covers

How to Patch Up a Hole in Your Drywall

July 5, 2021

Holes and dents in your drywall can be one of the more aggravating things you have to deal with as a homeowner. Maybe you accidentally slammed a piece of furniture into the wall, a door handle left a puncture mark, or your kids got too rowdy playing ball in the house. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering about the best way to patch things up. Before You Begin There are a couple of things you need to do before you start cutting into your wall. First, check that the area is free from pipes or wiring. You don’t want to turn a small, fixable problem into a larger and more costly one. Also if you realize that it’s a bigger project than what you feel comfortable with, it’s best to call for backup. If you decide to tackle things yourself, you’ll need some tools: As you gather everything you need, get a pair of safety goggles and a dust mask to keep bits of paint and drywall out of your eyes and respiratory system. Square Off the Hole Holes that are larger than four inches in diameter have to be squared off and covered with new drywall. Using a

Simple Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Flowing

June 28, 2021

Your home’s plumbing requires continual maintenance in order to function properly. However, that can be easier said than done. It doesn’t take much to clog or damage your pipes, and you could find yourself paying for expensive repairs. Luckily, a little bit of preventative action on your part can help you avoid a larger issue. A lot can happen to your plumbing. There’s a multitude of reasons that your plumbing is struggling. From a child’s toy lodged in the toilet to a crack somewhere down the line, it could take a bit of work to correctly identify and treat the cause. Some of the most common problems are: Roots are also a top cause for your pipes to become broken. Trees, bushes, and other vegetation are attracted to the water from a leaky pipe and can grow in small cracks. Since most plants grow relatively slow, it could take years before you notice. Don’t rely on your garbage disposal. If your sink has a garbage disposal, don’t rely on it to chop up everything. Not all the food gets ground up completely and certain foods can clump together in your drain. Dump your leftovers into a trashcan, and when you

Ensure Your Pool is Safe for Summer Fun

June 21, 2021

As you get your pool in shape for the season, take a moment to go over your safety checklist. While a fun way to take a break from the summertime heat, pools also can be dangerous areas for young children and pets. Here’s what you need to do to keep everyone safe and cool. “I don’t have kids or pets, do I still need to take precautions?” Even if you don’t have young kids or pets, you should still make a safe swimming environment for them. It’s been shown that curious children and animals can wander into a pool area and find themselves in drowning danger. In fact, some states may even require you to implement security systems to prevent this. Florida for example requires you to have an approved pool cover and surrounding barrier at least four feet tall. Even individual counties could have requirements to post signage around residential pools. In this case, it’s always best to check local, state, and also federal laws to see what you need to do. Clean your pool of toys and floats. Kids are easily enticed by fun objects like pool floats and other toys that they see in the water. This

How to Handle Mold in Your Attic

June 14, 2021

Attic mold is one of the most common maintenance issues, with thousands of homes each year requiring an infestation removal. Attics are notorious for producing the right conditions for a mold outbreak, as there can be an excess of moisture if your roof isn’t properly sealed. Unless you consistently check your attic for mold and other issues, the problem can quickly grow out of control and turn into an expensive repair. Luckily, there are ways for you to stop mold before it appears. What Causes Mold?The main reason that mold forms in your home is a large amount of moisture accumulation. If you live in an area that has humid summers, the chances of mold growth increase. Attics that aren’t well ventilated trap moisture and don’t allow for the wooden beams to properly dry out. Ventilation is also important when it comes to your kitchen stove, bathroom fans, and even your dryer. Appliances that don’t correctly exit through your roof can deposit water droplets in your attic as well. Even a small hole in your shingles or a gap between your roof and gutters creates an opening for water intrusion. How to Spot MoldThere are several ways you can tell

Should You Get a Storm Door?

June 7, 2021

A storm door can be a nice finishing touch to your home’s entryway. The storm doors of today have long evolved from the old screen style that your grandparents might’ve owned. They come in a variety of styles and colors to make finding the right fit easier. But aside from looks, what other purpose do storm doors serve? Are they a worthwhile purchase, or simply something you can go on without? Customization You have a ton of options when it comes to choosing a storm door. They can come in vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass material depending on which you prefer. Storm doors feature either a full-length window, or some models have a half or three-quarters window that can slide down into a screen. Privacy screens can even be placed in between the glass, and handles and hinges can all be designed to match the rest of your home’s facade. More Than Looks Storm doors offer more than just a quick spruce-up for your home. Just as their name implies, they add an extra layer of protection from extreme weather like rain and snow. A locked storm door can also deter burglars from trying to break in. Along with keeping

Celebrate Home Safety Month by Improving Your Home!

June 1, 2021

With June being National Home Safety Month in both the United States and Canada, it’s a great opportunity for you to give your house a thorough checkup! Even if you just moved into a new build, there could still be any number of hidden issues with its components. Take some time over the next month to protect you and your family from some of these commonly overlooked problems. Radon Reduction Radon is very common in both the U.S. and Canada, and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer. It’s an odorless and colorless gas which makes it practically impossible to detect without some sort of monitoring device. Homes both old and new are susceptible to radon, so you shouldn’t assume you’re completely free of it. The most effective way to know how much radon is in your home is to buy a tester. Consistent testing lets you keep an eye on accumulation levels so that you can act quickly to stay safe. Check Wiring Electrical fires account for nearly 24,000 home fires each year. Your home’s wiring is one of its largest components, so you need to be certain it’s in top condition. Loose outlets should be repaired or

Bonfire vs. Pit: What to Know for Your Next Summer Party

May 24, 2021

In summer, (and especially on summer holidays) burn injuries increase exponentially due to out-of-control flames, unsupervised grills, and other mishaps. If you plan on gathering around a campfire this summer, here’s how you can keep safe. BonfiresBonfires are great for larger groups since they’re generally bigger than a small fire pit. They give off intense heat that’ll definitely keep you warm should the night get chilly, plus a bonfire provides adequate lighting to let the party continue into the night. Yet with all of the benefits, there are some points to consider before you start. First, the larger size of bonfires can make them harder to control if it’s windy out. They also need a fair amount of clear space to burn safely. Lastly, unlike a fire pit, bonfires don’t usually have a protective barrier around the base to keep people from getting too close. Fire Pits Although bonfires are nice if you’re going to have a lot of guests, fire pits include some of the safety measures bonfires might not. Portable or stationary pits tend to be smaller and don’t need as much clear land when they’re burning. Having the fire in a bowl or surrounded by a metal

Top 10 Summer Home Maintenance Projects

May 17, 2021

Summer is the perfect time to tackle all those big tasks on your to-do list. Here are the top 10 chores you should do to keep your home looking great and its components running smoothly. Clean Your HVAC Cleaning your HVAC system can help prolong its life and improve its efficiency. Inside your home: Outside your home: Clean Your Grill Grease accumulation on your grill could present a fire hazard. Consider a cleaning routine after each use, and a more detailed cleaning 1-2 times per season. Deck and Patio Maintenance Lack of maintenance with your deck can present numerous safety issues. In addition, a run-down deck can detract from your home’s curb appeal. Pest Control Warmer weather brings about more wildlife, which can be both a concern to your home’s physical structure and your personal health. It’s a good idea to have your home professionally treated on a scheduled basis. Clean Ceiling Fans One of the possible reasons your fan “wobbles” while running is that the fan blades have a dust or dirt buildup. Clean Window Screens Cleaning your windows is one of those routine maintenance items that’s often forgotten. Generally, all you’ll need is a bucket of water with

7 Interesting Things Found in Old Homes

May 10, 2021

Older homes are full of one-of-a-kind features you won’t find in today’s new builds. Maybe your home’s retro elements are even why you chose to purchase it in the first place! Below are a few of our favorites, some rarer than others. Do you still have any of them around your house? 1. Conversation PitsGaining popularity in the 1950s and holding strong until the 1970s, the conversation pit is easy to recognize. Often found in the living room, pits were intended to get people talking–perhaps inexplicably, in a sunken nook a few steps below the regular floor. While it seemed like a cozy idea, conversation pits faced harsh criticism, mainly for the fact that they’re a falling hazard. Yet, some modern designers are reviving pits for the current homeowner. 2. Phone NooksBack when phones didn’t fit in your pocket, you’d need a central, out-of-the-way place to put them. Enter the phone nook or “niche,” as it’s sometimes called. This little cutout in the wall served as a hideaway for that otherwise bulky landline. If you don’t want that awkward blank opening, try converting it instead of covering it up. A few plants, some photos, or your favorite books can make