According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally, however, homeowners may encounter a bitter taste or off-putting smell that makes them question their H20. Before switching to bottled beverages, check out these 9 signs that your tap water could use a little TLC, and learn how to easily and inexpensively address many of these issues.
Most people don’t give too much thought to what’s behind their walls. Yet every time you flip a light switch or use your toaster, you are drawing on your home’s internal wiring—and that can cause big problems if your wiring is old or damaged. In fact, overloading an older home's wiring can spark a fire. Home electrical problems start an estimated 53,600 fires each year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. These fires cause more than 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries, and account for more than $1.4 billion in property damage. Many home electrical fires, however, can be prevented if you're able to recognize and address a few common warning signs.
If you’re like most people, you probably don't give much thought to the age of your appliances—until something breaks, that is. Homeowners do occasionally replace a major home appliance before the end of its effective lifespan—when they're remodeling, for instance, or if they just want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. But most homeowners buy a new appliance when they absolutely have to, which is why knowing how much mileage you can reasonably expect to get out of your appliances can help you plan and budget for the expense. In general, most major appliances will last about 10 to 15 years, although proper use, consistent cleaning, and regular maintenance can extend that lifespan. If you're wondering how much time your appliances may have left, check out these guidelines on how long you can expect your appliances to last.
If your budget is tight but your out-of-date kitchen needs help (and quick!), take a cue from these inspiring before-and-afters. With redos to fit almost any budget, these ingenious blogger renovations prove that a little paint, updated cabinet doors, and a DIY tile job can go a long way toward getting your kitchen cooking again.
No need to use chemicals—instead, use these herbal, fruity, or soap-laden solutions for problems with pests like ants, mice, and mosquitos.
Most Americans think of water as basically “wet” and don’t consider its other attributes. But many residential water users have had to confront one of water's less-appealing characteristics: hardness. Water hardness is a measurement of the concentration of minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium, along with traces of other metals—that are naturally dissolved in drinking water. Using hard water can negatively impact a number of everyday activities, including showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is quite a bit of variation in the mineral content of drinking water supplies across the United States. The agency found the softest waters in parts of New England, the South Atlantic-Gulf States, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii, while the hardest were measured in "streams in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona, and southern California.” But no matter what part of the country you live in, hard water can become an issue. Its effects can, however, be mitigated by installing a water softener, which removes the dissolved minerals, typically by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. Is your water too hard? Here are just a few of the tell-tale signs that you may need a water softener.
Crown molding brings elegance to nearly any space. Whether you choose to use it around windows and doorways or to line the top of the kitchen cabinets, crown molding adds a classic finishing touch that pulls together a room's design elements. Installing crown molding is an accessible DIY project, and there are plenty of places in your home to put it. So, check out our favorite crown molding ideas, and then head on over to the lumber aisle.
Are your floors scratched, worn, or out of style? In the past, there weren’t many affordable alternative to pricy hardwood floors. Today, though, budget options abound. Read on for our favorites.
We've narrowed down the options to include some of the very best wood types for a kitchen countertop, whether you're interested in a functional butcher block or a gorgeous accent finish.
With so many fence styles available today, it can be hard for homeowners to choose the one that best fits their property and needs. Fences generally fall into three categories: privacy, functional, and decorative. Whether used to define property boundaries, keep pets and children safe, or keep out unwelcome visitors (two- and four-legged), a fence can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal. Made of myriad materials, including wood, metal, vinyl, stone, and brick—you can be sure there is a fence style that’s right for you. And, since installing a fence is one of the most common do-it-yourself projects, you’ll find a wide variety of kits and premade panels to make assembly a snap. Here is a look at some of the most common styles of fences used today.
From asphalt to brick, basalt to concrete, this is the stuff dream driveways are made of.
Pretty up a drab drop ceiling with any of these unexpected, inexpensive decor ideas.
Looking for ways to add character and interest to your interior? Use trim and molding! Check out the various ways you can add wall trim to amp up your home's design.
Avoid planting these troublesome trees in your yard.
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, most people assume you have to spend a lot of money to get amazing results. But these low-cost DIY projects are a testament that with a little creativity and DIY enthusiasm, you can craft a backsplash that adds charm and personality to any space—without a steep price tag.
Boost your home’s curb appeal with one of these gorgeous vinyl siding hues, from classic neutrals to trendy bold colors.
Looking to escape reality with a mysterious stay in nature? Go ahead and cave in by booking one of these dwellings amid the rocks.
Use these 31 cleaning shortcuts to turn the grimiest estate into a prime estate in minutes.
Stucco isn't delicate. Whether applied as exterior siding or as a finish for interior walls, the age-old material requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance. Occasional cleaning or patching may be necessary, but with the right combination of products and tools, any homeowner can get the job done. Here's how.
Learning how to cut your own brick opens up a world of home improvement opportunities. Thanks to today's technologies, cutting brick for back yard patios and other outdoor projects has never been easier.