Whether or not your chimney is in need of a fix, there are things you should be doing to make sure your chimney and fireplace are in excellent shape all year-round, so when the season turns colder you’re always ready for a hearty fire! The most important maintenance step you can take is to have your chimney swept professionally once a year.
Why You Should Always Turn on Bathroom and Kitchen Vents
The bathroom and the kitchen. Maybe the two most used rooms in a house, the two rooms with some of the most complex equipment, and the two rooms that can often cause the most trouble. As home inspectors, we often see the kitchen and bathroom as the places where plumbing issues, electrical problems, and DIY-gone-wrong installments are. But there are many common-sense ways you can take care of your kitchen and bathroom so they continue to function properly and be safe places. Today, we’re going to look at just one simple but very important thing you can do: use your exhaust vents!
Do I Need a Radon Test?
We’ve previously talked about radon: what it is, how it gets into your home, why to test for it, and your role as a homeowner, seller, or buyer. Now we’re going to discuss the specifics of getting a radon test, how to test your home yourself, and the next step towards eliminating high radon levels. It’s estimated that around one in fifteen houses has high radon, so if your house has not been tested for radon in the past three years, it is a good idea to go ahead a do so. If you’re preparing a house to sell, or are a potential buyer, then it’s worth investing in a professional radon test. If you’re a homeowner and are simply testing as a check-up, a DIY kit will be fine.
4 Most Common Issues Found in Home Inspections
When you are preparing to have a home inspection done, it’s a good idea to think ahead about what the inspector will be looking at, and what problems they are most likely to find. This will help reduce the shock of seeing your home inspection report and prepare you to talk to the home inspector about concerns you have. It’s also helpful to think about the most common issues found in home inspections, so you know what you may be dealing with for your own home.
Natural Cleaners for the Home
Cleaning your house is an important part of home maintenance, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially if you are concerned about using eco-friendly, natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals, and/or are watching your wallet. Luckily, there are many natural cleaners you probably have in your kitchen that can be used as natural, non-chemical cleaners and can help you keep your home clean and smelling fresh, while also saving you money. Here are five non-toxic natural cleaners you probably have on hand, and some ways to use them.
How To Take Care Of A Fence
Fences are a critical part of your home. They provide security and safety and add to your yard’s beauty, but they’re easy to overlook. Keeping your fence well-maintained isn’t just a smart idea to make your home look nicer though- it can save you money further down the line, and make your home more valuable. Whether you’re staging your house to sell, or just want to improve your property, here are some key maintenance tips for both wood and vinyl to help you take care of your fence.
Temporary Accent Walls for the Indecisive Homeowner
Accent walls are a classic way to add a burst of color or texture to a room. For an indecisive homeowner though, committing to an accent wall can be intimidating. There are other reasons you may want to try a temporary solution instead of a permanent one as well. You may be in an apartment or renting a home and may not be allowed to paint, or perhaps you’re staging a home to sell. No matter what the reason, there are plenty of creative alternatives to try, and most of them are easy DIY projects! Here are four temporary accent walls to try.
How To Peel and Stick Wallpaper Like a Pro
Peel and stick wallpaper is an alternative to traditional wallpaper that allows homeowners to easily choose and hang new wallpaper. Peel and stick is generally cheaper than traditional wallpaper, and there are a variety of prints and designs to choose from. For the indecisive homeowner, it can be the perfect option for those wanting to experiment with some change in a room. With just a little bit of prep and practice, you’ll soon be able to peel and stick like a pro.
Budget-Friendly Projects For Any Home
Being a homeowner means always being on the lookout for ways to upgrade your home and improve your space. While this sounds tedious, it can actually be quite fun with the right projects! That’s why it’s nice to have a few budget-friendly and novice-friendly DIY projects in your back pocket. These projects only require minimal materials, some of which you may already have at home, and no experience necessary. So whether you have a free weekend, are getting bored with a certain room, or simply need a creative outlet, these 3 easy DIY projects to do at home will help you find the perfect project to do right now.
How To Whitewash Anything
As we looked at in 4 Steps For Preparing to Whitewash Anything, whitewashing is a simple, relatively inexpensive, and chic way to update your home. Whitewash paint creates a protective covering on materials than can make them last longer. You can whitewash brick and wood, meaning fireplaces, furniture, and accent walls are ideal candidates for this easy DIY project. Once you have decided what to decorate and have all the materials for it, here is how to whitewash.
4 Steps For Preparing to Whitewash Anything
Whitewashing is a tried-and-true method that can give a piece of furniture, a fireplace, a wall, or even an entire home exterior a major makeover. Even more impressively, when used on brick, whitewash provides a resilient and protective coating that can help preserve the brick. In many cases, whitewashing is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to remodel and spruce up features of a home. Whitewashing is a classy, elegant aesthetic that most homeowners (and potential buyers) love. Here is how to whitewash your home.
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Gutters Are NOT Cosmetic
Guest Blog: How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors without Harsh Chemicals
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A Very Common Defect Home Sellers Can Prevent
Common Mistake Made With Holiday Lights
3 Reasons Your Deck is Decaying
Internachi reports that only 40% of all decks built in the US are safe!
First, we know there are a lot of DIY decks out there. So we’d just like to point out, “there is no correlation between deck failure and whether the deck was built by a homeowner or a professional contractor.” (Internachi) The failure occurs when the deck is built improperly and is not properly maintained throughout its lifespan.
