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A renovation project can be very rewarding. But like most things in life, rewards don’t come easy. Renovation projects can vary in size and expense, though one theme that holds true throughout any of them is the impact it makes on your daily life. Even the most mundane parts of your day, such as setting the travel mug on the kitchen counter after coming home from work, being able to look in the mirror while brushing your teeth, or just entering your house through the front door, become sorely missed while a major renovation is underway. Such things become the...

It seems that most of the time very simple maintenance results in huge problems being averted. Here are some ideas that are very simple to avoid paying huge bills to have someone repair it or hassle with it yourself. Bursting PipesOne of a homeowner’s worst nightmares is having their pipes burst. If you are living in an older home with old pipes, this has a high probability of happening to you, especially when the pipes are vulnerable in the winter. A very simple solution to avert this problem when it gets cold outside is to put your faucets at a...

It’s been a great summer and you’ve been enjoying your patio or deck as much as humanly possible, right? Well, remember early this spring when you opened up your deck and all of the work you put into it? By preparing your outdoor living area for the upcoming harsh weather, you could not only make your job easier in the spring, but you could prolong the life of your investment as well. Below, we’ll discuss some things that you can do to prepare your deck or patio for winter: FurnitureClean off your furniture before storing it for the winter.  Most...

It’s best to review manufacturer instructions before installing vinyl windows. However, the following procedures are generally accepted practices to prevent leaks and callbacks: To start, be sure to size the rough opening according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most specify an opening 1/2 inch larger than the window frame. Then center the window, left to right, leaving a 1/4 inch gap on either side. It’s also best to install the window on a continuous level base, avoiding shimming the sill. Still, some installers double up the rough sill by using stacked 2x4s or 2x6s. This permits easy shimming between the two...

If you find excessive dampness your basement, the likely culprit could be a crack in your basement wall. When you consider that your basement walls hold up your entire house, then knowing that there are cracks present can sound a little intimidating. The fact is that cracks aren’t that uncommon. They’ll most likely just require a little DIY know-how and a simple patch. Small cracks don’t usually affect the structural integrity of your home, but if left untouched they can allow water, insects or even radon gas to enter your basement. Larger cracks of an inch or greater indicate a...