Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Plumbing
How to Keep Pipes From Freezing In the Winter
Avoiding Frozen Pipes This Winter As winter approaches, homeowners need to protect their plumbing from freezing temperatures. When pipes freeze, the expanding water inside them can cause cracks or bursts, leading to expensive damage. This guide explains why frozen pipes are a problem and how to keep pipes from freezing throughout the winter months. How…
Bathroom
Best Walk-In Tub/Shower Combination Options
Walk-in tubs are often marketed to the elderly or those with mobility issues, but they can benefit anyone, regardless of age. Choosing a walk-in tub shower combination ensures everyone in the family, no matter their mobility, can enjoy a bath or shower. The best walk-in tub shower combination includes features like a low entry threshold,…
Gutters
Gutter Rain Chains: Aesthetic Alternatives to Traditional Downspouts
What Is a Rain Chain? A rain chain is another way to direct rainwater from your roof gutter to a drain or storage container. Unlike regular downspouts that hide the water inside a tube, rain chains let you watch the water flow down a series of linked chains or decorative cups. Rain chains, called “kusari-doi”…
Windows
Egress window wells serve as a vital escape route during emergencies, providing easy access to the outside from basements or lower-level living spaces. However, these window wells don’t have to be dull and uninviting. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you can transform your egress window wells into a functional and visually appealing part…
Windows
Install a Basement Window: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Handy homeowners may be looking at their old basement window and thinking, “I can probably install a new one myself.” But it depends on the situation. If you need to install a basement window where none exists or replace a smaller window with a larger one, then you almost certainly need help from a professional.…
Windows
Most Popular Egress Window Types
There are several types of windows that count as an egress window. While recommended egress window types can vary by location, they all follow International Residential Code laws which allow for safe operation. Let’s take a look at everything from an egress casement window to a double-hung egress window so you find what works best…
Windows
Egress Window Size: What to Know Before You Buy
Understanding Egress Window Codes & Sizes Egress window size is set by building codes to ensure it is easy to get in and out of the window in case of an emergency. You must have an egress window installed in each bedroom as well as in attics or basements that are used as living area…
Flooring
Waterproof Flooring: Best Types and Uses
From bathrooms to laundry rooms, any room that deals with excess moisture can be difficult to clean and can make your home prone to damage. Mold is the big ticket concern homeowners think about when water is in the picture. But other issues like wood rot and warping from excess moisture exposure can also come…