It Could Happen

The Importance of Bath Ventilation – a Lesson Re-Learned in my Primary Bath

Remodeling

I took a Sunday afternoon, and hard-piped using 4” rigid duct, going out the attic's side wall. It wasn't a difficult project, considering of course that the bath fan had already been...

by jb bartkowiak

eye safety tips for keeping your eyes safe

Tips for Eye Safety :: DIY Essentials: Your Eyes

Homeownership

October is National Eye Injury Prevention and Home Eye Safety Month – an important time to think about eye protection and vision health during crafts, DIY projects, and home repairs. In support,...

by jb bartkowiak

Avoiding Home Improvement Scams :: Man Working on Roofs in Louisiana

Tips for Avoiding Home Improvement Scams, Especially in the Wake of a Disaster

These scams are so prevalent that the Federal Trade Commission has released guidelines to help homeowners identify potential scam artists. If you are looking to hire a professional to oversee an upgrade...

by Matt Herndon

Fire Prevention :: Put it Out: Fire Extinguishers

Fire Prevention Through Preparation – Smoke Detectors, Extinguishers, Escape Plans & More

National Fire Safety Month occurs each October, and it’s a stark but important reminder to take precautions to protect ourselves and our homes. Many house fires are completely preventable, if the homeowner...

by Chris Long

2nd story of victorian home destroyed by act of god

What Does Home Insurance Cover :: Dwelling, Liability & More

Most people who own property have home insurance. However, many of them do not know exactly what their insurance does and does not cover. Typical home insurance plans cover the same general...

by Roy McClure

Mold Prevention Tips :: Mold Under a Magnifying Glass

Building for the Fungus Among Us :: Mold Prevention Tips

Prevention of mold outbreaks begins by starting home improvement projects or additions with a mold prevention planning adequately in place. Here I provide mold prevention tips, ways to plan projects and, in...

by Carl Bennett

Benefits of a Home Generator :: Benefits vs. Costs

. . . Fortunately, my family during those times had the benefit of a backup home generator that kept our house operating at a normal capacity for the duration of the power...

by Diane Kuehl

Designing a Contemporary Railing :: Not to be De-Railed the Decor Girl Does Her Railing

Remodeling

As part of our ongoing remodeling project of a rather cool 1978 contemporary house, the latest improvement has been a new exterior railings. Ideally this would have been one of the last...

by Lisa Smith

Five Costly (and Common) Roofing Mistakes :: Picking the Right Roofing Contractor & More

Thousands of roofs are repaired or replaced every year. Seeing that your roof is key in keeping you warm as well as dry all year round obtaining the best roofing services is...

by Bob Anderson

The Lessons of Hurricane Irene :: On Hurricane Preparedness

Homeownership

In the beautiful week before Hurricane Irene coastal Delaware was doing its summer thing. Every other car had out-of-state plates and vacationers were enjoying the beach while my clients, who rent their...

by Barry Morgan

The Curious Case of the Exploding Toilet :: The Mysterious Crack & Its Damage

Homeownership

This mysterious crack, as he tells me now, was approximately 1/8 inch wide and ran from above the flush handle, down and all the way around to the back of the tank's...

by jb bartkowiak

6 Liters aka 1.6 gallons per flush stamped on the inside of toilet tank

The Curious Case of the Exploding Toilet :: Better Pre-Vacation House Planning and Prep

Homeownership

Ok, it didn't explode -- the toilet, its tank had developed a rather large crack that ran from its base all the way up to the flush handle. My immediate feeling is...

by jb bartkowiak