Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
Windows
Were My Windows Correctly Installed?
Perhaps you bought a home and you are now discovering that your windows may not be in the greatest shape you thought they were in when you moved in. Or, perhaps you have recently had windows installed, and the contractor did not do as good of a job as they had promised. Either way, you…
Other Home Projects
Homeowner 101: How to Paint Brick, Cement, Laminate, or Metal
What’s the easiest way to change the mood or feeling of a home? If you ask any interior designer, they’ll answer without hesitation—paint the walls. Adding color is a surefire way to freshen up a room or add some visual interest to a home. But what if your walls are something other than drywall, or…
HVAC
How to Save on Your Electric Bill
When the temperature rises, utility bills tend to do the same. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple changes you can make that will reduce your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are our top energy-efficient tips for how to save on your electric bill and other utility bills this summer. 1. Use a Programmable Thermostat…
Other Home Projects
Homeowner 101: How to Grout and Tile a Backsplash
Adding a backsplash in your kitchen is one of the best ways to personalize your space. It’s also one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a refreshing update without doing a major remodel. Installing a tile backsplash will take some planning and precision on your part, but the results are well worth it.…
Other Home Projects
Pet-Proof Your Home Renovation
You’ve finally scheduled the contractors, the workers are coming at 8 a.m., the blueprints are spread out, and you’re ready for a complete overhaul! As you survey the room, you notice a furry face staring back at you. What will you do about your pet during your home renovation? During construction, if there’s too much…
Other Home Projects
Does No-VOC Exterior Paint Matter?
Did you know that most home improvement paint includes VOCs—volatile organic compounds? Think about the strong fumes you smell in a newly painted room, which are often so harsh you have to air out the room for a few days while avoiding it entirely. Those are VOCs—chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene—and they leach into your…
Bathroom
How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom
Having a clean bathroom is a strangely satisfying feeling. It’s not just having the towels hung up and the sink wiped free of toothpaste globs, but when you can see that sparkle on your countertops and in the tub and toilet that comes from a deep and thorough scrub. If you feel the instant gratification from…
Roofing
How to Tackle Ice Dams on Your Roof
Icicles on your roof may look quaint and charming, but unless your house is made out of gingerbread, they usually wind up doing a lot more harm than good. Typically, they’re a sign that your roof is forming ice dams—big, hard hunks of ice that build up over the edge of your roof. When ice…