Repairs And Home Improvements

How To: Maintain Sash Windows

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700

As a window restorer I get called in to restore badly neglected windows. After decades of little or no care things have gotten so bad that that these windows usually don’t operate anymore, are riddled with rot or termite damage and look pretty ugly. The sad thing is that none of this would happen is […]

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Create a Comfortable, Luxurious Patio with Linear Pavers

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:28:25 -0700

Want to transform your backyard, elevate its appearance and add value to your home? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg — start simple and install some pavers. You can overlay a concrete patio with paver blocks or start from scratch. Either way, the result will add character and texture to your […]

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6 Myths About Old Houses

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700

Old houses get a bad wrap. There are dozens of myths about old houses and I think it’s time we set the record straight. In a technology driven world, our culture is in love with the newest gadget. This makes sense because a 10-year old computer is largely useless by todays standards and something 20 […]

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Allied Home Warranty Review (2020)

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:18:44 -0700

Allied Home Warranty was a Texas-based company established in 2004 but is now owned by OneGuard Home Warranties. Learn more about your coverage options.

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Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:58:03 -0700

What are the pros and cons of owning a home warranty? Our review team discusses whether or not home warranties are worth it

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College Dorm Checklist: Your Guide to the Essentials

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 16:13:22 -0700

Moving out of Mom and Dad’s house and into on- or off-campus housing is an exciting milestone. But before moving day, you’ll need a college dorm checklist to ensure you have the essentials.

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Exploring the Little Free Library Phenomenon

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 06:12:00 -0700

Most do-it-yourselfers build, create and fix things for themselves, but some spend hours in the workshop to benefit others with a Little Free Library.

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6 Best Plants for a Shade Garden

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700

If you live in an old house like me you understand the joy of mature landscaping and towering trees. While I love the shade in the summer to keep my cooling bills down the lack of sun severely limits my planting options for my garden. So I wanted to share some of the best plants […]

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How To: Repair a Plaster Ceiling

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0700

An old-fashioned plaster ceiling can be a long lived and beautiful thing or it can look like a train wreck depending on how your old house has been treated over the years. The reasons to keep your plaster are numerous and may surprise you. Over time everything needs a little maintenance and that includes plaster […]

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Office Design: 3 DIY Projects from 1 Bag of Concrete

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 09:46:13 -0700

Ready to make something? Learn how to create this concrete pen cup, phone stand and set of drawer pulls to refresh your office design!

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The Best Garbage Disposals For an Old House

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700

Choosing a new garbage disposal really comes down to what features you are looking for and what your pocket can afford. An old house also needs special considerations with their old plumbing and small spaces. These four garbage disposals I looked at cover a wide range of benefits and price. Each comes from a company […]

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Meet the Hummingbird Moth — A Valuable Pollinator

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:00:00 -0700

The hummingbird moth is often mistaken for its namesake, but this insect has distinct differences from its feathered lookalike. Here's what you should know about them.

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Can Paint Go Bad?

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700

Many, if not all homeowners know it well: the half-used paint shelf. Somewhere deep in a basement, high in an attic, or out in the garage, there lies a treasure trove of half-used paint cans leftover from projects past. They sit there, waiting. The question is, do they also sit there going bad? Can paint […]

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Our Review of Whirlpool’s Warranty (2020)

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 18:32:27 -0700

Whirlpool covers its products for the first year of ownership. See why you might want a home warranty after your Whirlpool warranty expires.

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Pivotal Home Solutions Review (2020)

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 18:17:43 -0700

Pivotal Home Solutions coverage is unique to the industry. See if we think the setup is worth the money or if you’re better off with another provider.

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The Ultimate Guide to Terrazzo Floors

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700

What is brown and white and gray all over? Or I could ask what is red and green and pink all over? The answer would be the same. It’s a terrazzo floor! In fact, the blends of terrazzo floors could be any color combination your creative mind can think of. If you don’t know what […]

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What Causes Spalling Brick?

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0700

Spalling brick is what happens when the face of a brick begins to crumble and fall away from the body of the brick. This eventually results in the softer portions of the brick being exposed to the elements and the eventual total destruction of the brick if not resolved. In this post, I’ll teach you […]

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Tips For Dealing With HVAC Pros

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Air conditioners need bi-annual tune-ups to perform their best. Here's how to hire HVAC pros for the job, and what you should expect.

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How to Insulate HVAC Ductwork

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:00:00 -0700

If your HVAC ductwork's insulation has seen better days, replace it to improve energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills. Here's how.

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How to Extend Your Heating and Cooling System’s Life

Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:30:00 -0700

A replacement heating and cooling system, which most people want to delay purchasing, could cost $4,000. Your AC will last longer if you follow this plan.

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