Repairs And Home Improvements

Antique Bricks More Valuable than Gold Bricks?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Back in 1879, while your great-great-grandparents were building houses with honest-to-goodness clay bricks, a smooth-talking hustler named Reed C. Waddell was perfecting the art of selling fake gold bricks to gullible marks. The scam was beautifully simple: coat a lead brick with gold, let the sucker test the corners (which were actually gold), then skip […]

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That Weird Green Stain in Your Old Bathroom? It Might Be Worth Thousands

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Picture this: You’re demo-ing your 1920s bathroom when your contractor points to some green-tinged paint near the tub. “Water damage,” he says, reaching for his scraper. “We’ll strip it all out.” STOP. You might be about to destroy a piece of antimicrobial technology so advanced, modern paint companies are still trying to replicate it. Here’s […]

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Cutting Preservation Funding

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700

I don’t often write about contentious things on this blog, but this week I was flabbergasted when I learned the story of what happened to historic preservation funding in Florida. I think it’s important to share because it was something that appears to be so startling and unprecedented that I felt it needed the light […]

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Linoleum Flooring: Worth Saving or Replacing?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700

If you’ve got an older home, odds are good that linoleum flooring is part of your story—probably in the kitchen, maybe in the bath or laundry room. For decades, linoleum was the resilient flooring of choice. Durable, affordable, and surprisingly green long before sustainability was a buzzword, linoleum quietly held its place underfoot in millions of homes. […]

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How Much Does a Baseboard Radiator Cost?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:56:12 -0700

Baseboard radiators can cost $200–$1,200 per unit, primarily depending on the type of heating system and the size of your home.

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Renovating Isn’t Getting Cheaper: How Material Costs Are Climbing in 2025

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:55:21 -0700

Renovating in 2025? We analyzed BLS PPI data to identify which materials are experiencing the largest price increases and what you can do to stay on budget.

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How To Budget for AC Replacement

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:15:21 -0700

Learn how to budget for AC replacement, including considering extra expenses and looking into financing and rebates.

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How Much Does a Whole-House Fan Cost?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:19 -0700

Whole-house fans typically cost $900–$2,400. These fans work best in low-humidity climates and pair well with ACs for all-day cooling.

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Why You Should Be Paying Attention to Superwood?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Every few years, some “miracle material” shows up promising to be the next big thing for construction — and most of the time, it’s all hat, no cattle. But then I came across Superwood, and let’s just say… this one actually made me sit up, dig deeper, and think, “Okay, this could be huge — if it […]

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How To Compare Financing Offers for HVAC Installation

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:19:36 -0700

Wondering how to compare financing offers for HVAC installation? Review types, terms, and interest rates. Watch out for red flags such as hidden fees.

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How Much Does an Attic Air Conditioner Cost?

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:59:21 -0700

Attic air conditioners cost between $100 and $5,000 typically, depending on whether you choose a window AC, portable AC, or a mini-split.

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Window Company Scams To Avoid: Red Flags and Smart Hiring Tips

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:32:00 -0700

Common window company scams to avoid include high-pressure sales tactics and large upfront payments. Check licenses and insurance before committing.

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How To Replace Baseboard Heating Covers in 6 Easy Steps

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:01:22 -0700

Learn how to replace baseboard heating covers seamlessly and which cover material, design, and style to choose for your home.

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How To Build a Radiator Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:53:59 -0700

Radiator covers add shelf space, protect kids and pets from burns, and help radiators blend into your home’s decor. Here’s how to build a radiator cover.

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The 7-Point Historic Home Inspection Checklist Every Owner Needs

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Every year, approximately 200,000 to 300,000 homes are demolished across America. While some losses are inevitable, many could be prevented with one simple practice that most historic homeowners either skip entirely or do incorrectly: proper inspection and maintenance. Unlike modern homes built with standardized materials and techniques, historic homes require a completely different approach to […]

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How To Vet HVAC Contractors: Tips To Find a Reliable Pro

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:59:45 -0700

Wondering how to vet HVAC contractors? Look for NATE certification, state licensing, and insurance. Avoid contractors who won’t provide references.

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How To Childproof Windows: Locks, Guards, and Safety Tips

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:52:51 -0700

Wondering how to childproof the windows in your home? Methods include window guards, shatter-resistant film, and cordless blinds.

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What Is Heat Pump Defrost Mode? How It Works and When To Worry

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:36:50 -0700

Is your heat pump blowing cold air? This is a normal part of the heat pump defrost mode, which keeps your heat pump frost-free during the winter.

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Restoration vs. Remodeling: Which Protects Your Investment?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700

You’re standing in your 1920s Craftsman kitchen, staring at those original cabinets. Your contractor just pitched a $75,000 gut job. Your neighbor swears by restoration. Restoration vs remodeling? One of these paths will build wealth. The other will destroy it. This isn’t about style preference, that’s a separate issue. It’s about money. One decision can […]

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3 Ways To Fireproof Your Home

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 16:36:33 -0700

Go through your home and make it resistant to fires.

No one wants to lose all of their valuable possessions and even their entire home in a fire. Regardless of the season, fires can occur in your home at any moment whether it was from an accident or mother nature. Although, there are several precautions you can put in place to prevent fires or at least stop them quickly from spreading. There are a few ways you can fireproof your home, so your whole family is safe.

The More Fire Extinguishers The Better

It is common knowledge that fire extinguishers are the best defense against fires, so it is crucial to keep them in fire prone areas in your home. Always have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen especially when you are cooking or baking. Have one near every fireplace and do not forget to store one in your garage. Many people do not realize their garages are fire hazards because of the storage of flammable materials along with oil and gas. It is crucial to check the expiration dates of your fire extinguishers and replace them when they are expired.

Fire Resistant Carpeting and Furniture

When choosing carpeting for your home, pick fire resistant styles over wool and synthetic because they burn and spread fires easily. Fire resistant carpeting comes in a variety of colors and designs so that you can integrate it into your home with little difficulty. You can also spray small carpets and furniture in your home with a fireproof chemical that you can purchase from any hardware store. If you are purchasing new furniture, you can ask the store to add fireproof coating over your pieces for little to no charge.

Clean Up Your Home

Even for the tidiest person, junk can accumulate in a home very quickly and can take over a room. It is crucial to frequently to clean junk or any unnecessary items out of your every couple months so you can prevent a potential fire from spreading. You should discard flammable materials like papers, old clothes, and boxes first when cleaning out your home.

Fire and Smoke Damage Services from ServiceMaster of Baltimore

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