Repairs And Home Improvements

Bronze vs Coppered Nails: When to Use Each

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700

This is a question that has been coming up often for me lately. I’m assuming it’s because the fall is weatherstripping season when it comes to windows and doors. Makes sense. Nobody wants a drafty house in the winter. When you’re installing metal weatherstripping it invariably involves nailing it in place rather than the cheapo […]

The post Bronze vs Coppered Nails: When to Use Each appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

What to Do About a Window in a Shower

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700

As someone who works on historic homes built before WWII it’s a question I have gotten many times. “What should I do about that old wood window in a shower?” It seems crazy that builders would have put a window in the shower. Were they a bunch of exhibitionists showing their “goods” to the neighbors? […]

The post What to Do About a Window in a Shower appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

The Dumbwaiter: A Unique History

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700

If your house has a tiny elevator hiding behind a knee-high door, congratulations—you’ve got a built-in butler who works for peanuts. Today we’ll trace where dumbwaiters came from, how they actually work, why they vanished from houses by the mid-century. These unique home features that were the rage of the Gilded-Age (i’m watching the HBO […]

The post The Dumbwaiter: A Unique History appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

Round vs. Flat Paint Brushes: Which Is Best?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Picture this: you’re standing in the paint aisle, staring down a wall of brushes like a cowboy in a spaghetti western. On the left, the flats—wide, angled, sleek. On the right, the rounds—stubby, old-world, looking like they should come with a glass of Chianti. You pick one up, feel the weight, and suddenly you realize… […]

The post Round vs. Flat Paint Brushes: Which Is Best? appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

The Secret to a Longer Lasting Paint Job

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Most people think painting an old house is as simple as picking a color, grabbing a brush, and cracking a cold beer when the last stroke dries. The truth? That’s how you end up with peeling paint, warped siding, and a project that looks worse after two years than it did before you started. Painting […]

The post The Secret to a Longer Lasting Paint Job appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

The A-Frame House: America’s Favorite Triangle

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700

If you’ve ever driven through a ski town, a lakeside community, or even a 1970s subdivision with more enthusiasm than architectural oversight, you’ve probably spotted it: two sloping roof planes meeting at a peak so sharp it could slice your marshmallow stick in half. That, my friends, is the A-frame, an architectural form so simple […]

The post The A-Frame House: America’s Favorite Triangle appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

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 […]

The post Antique Bricks More Valuable than Gold Bricks? appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

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 […]

The post That Weird Green Stain in Your Old Bathroom? It Might Be Worth Thousands appeared first on The Craftsman Blog.

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.

The post How Much Does a Baseboard Radiator Cost? appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post Renovating Isn’t Getting Cheaper: How Material Costs Are Climbing in 2025 appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Budget for AC Replacement appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How Much Does a Whole-House Fan Cost? appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Compare Financing Offers for HVAC Installation appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How Much Does an Attic Air Conditioner Cost? appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post Window Company Scams To Avoid: Red Flags and Smart Hiring Tips appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Replace Baseboard Heating Covers in 6 Easy Steps appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Build a Radiator Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Vet HVAC Contractors: Tips To Find a Reliable Pro appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post How To Childproof Windows: Locks, Guards, and Safety Tips appeared first on Today's Homeowner.

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.

The post What Is Heat Pump Defrost Mode? How It Works and When To Worry appeared first on Today's Homeowner.