The thought of renovation mistakes brings me out in a cold sweat and this is what has put me off renovating my own home to the extent that it needs it. Mistakes are costly and some can be irreversible and the idea of getting it wrong scares me. Sure, renovating a home is exciting, but … Read more
This week, Artie McGowan, master plumber and owner of Colony Plumbing in Mobile, Ala., is back! He’s providing answers to more common plumbing problems, like dripping faucets, long waits for hot water and more. He’s a long-time friend of mine who’s also done hundreds of jobs for my construction company. Often, it’s easier to replace … Read more
This week, Artie McGowan, master plumber and owner of Colony Plumbing in Mobile, Ala., joins me to provide solutions to some of the most common plumbing problems, like low water pressure and clogged drains. He’s a long-time friend of mine who’s also done hundreds of jobs for my construction company. Increasing the water pressure on … Read more
Simple lifestyle changes can conserve water, one of our most precious resources, and save money. (aristotoo, Getty Images Signature) Water conservation is fast becoming a priority for many homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that leaks account for 9,400 gallons of water wasted each year. That’s about the amount of water needed to wash more … Read more
Water conservation is fast becoming a priority for many homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that leaks account for 9,400 gallons of water wasted each year. That’s about the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. Whether your reason for conserving water is mandated because of a drought or to … Read more
PFAS, or forever chemicals, are being detected in drinking water all over the U.S. (nito100, Getty Images) Residents across the U.S. are on high alert after the Environment Protection Agency announced new limits for the acceptable amount of PFAS in drinking water. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down over time. … Read more
This week, learn how to clean old wallpaper and protect a wood-framed shower window from water damage. (Sandy Knollenburg/simplyzel, Getty Images) Hour 1 In Hour 1, hear our suggestions for matching wood posts to vinyl, cleaning old wallpaper, and more. Matching Wood Posts to Vinyl Matching these wooden support posts to the vinyl posts … Read more
That said, there have been plenty of tasks that have come as a surprise since becoming a homeowner — things I used to leave to a landlord or, more often, leave totally unattended because I didn’t realize they even needed to be done. But when I was working on redoing our bathroom last fall, I … Read more
Need ideas to turn your boring bathroom into a spa? These simple changes can transform any bathroom from a routine stop to a serene sanctuary! If you can, allow just natural light in your bathroom. (Poravute, Getty Images) 1. Get the Right Lighting Our first spa bathroom idea is one of the easiest, adds ambiance … Read more
It can be tempting to throw scraps down the drain if you have a garbage disposal and/or a new-build house with modern pipes. But even though they look harmless, disposals can actually wreak longterm havoc on your pipes if you’re not careful. If you want to save yourself from a hefty plumbing bill later down … Read more