Category: home improvement

7 Must-Know Outdoor Lighting Tips

With summer in full swing, you’re probably spending most of your time enjoying the great outdoors — and that likely includes relaxing in your backyard, or hosting friends for a dinner alfresco. Don’t let the fun stop once the sun goes down just because your outdoor lighting is nonexistent or inefficient. Not all outdoor lighting…


Add Gutter Drainage

Ask any home inspector or realtor about what’s a turn off to home buyers when scouting a house to buy, and they’ll probably tell you any signs of neglect by the current owner. Water damage is a big one. The problem is often caused by water pooling around the foundation due to poor gutter drainage…


Replace a Shower Stall Door

Sure, you can replace an old shower curtain with a new one, but a more impressive upgrade is installing a hinged shower door. A door instead of a curtain is an attractive improvement that makes it a permanent enclosure that won’t go unnoticed. When we made the switch in a small bathroom, it gave the…


Backyard Refresh: How to Restore Your Outdoor Furniture

Goodbye, rainy spring; the long, sunny days of summer are here and it’s time to move things outdoors. But what if your backyard furniture isn’t ready? Don’t throw away that weathered wood bench or distressed patio set—revive it! Sometimes the simplest solution is best, and all you need to do is spring clean your summer…


Looking for a Feature Packed Touch-Less Kitchen Faucet

By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Hi Ed, I like the concept of touch-less kitchen faucets and want to install one. But, I want more than just that one feature if I’m going to upgrade. What other options are available when making the move to an electronic kitchen faucet? Paul, Arkansas A:…


What Should I Ask Garage Pros Before Booking?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi The garage was designed for a basic purpose—storing cars—but it’s also one of the most versatile areas of your home. A talented garage renovation pro can turn it into a functional living space or dedicated hobby zone while still keeping the car-storage thing going. Garage renovations are…


What Should I Ask Pros Before Booking Garage Renos?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi The garage was designed for a basic purpose—storing cars—but it’s also one of the most versatile areas of your home. A talented garage renovation pro can turn it into a functional living space or dedicated hobby zone while still keeping the car-storage thing going. Garage renovations are…


Flat Roof Leaks Are Tricky to Find and Fix

Dear James: Our five-year-old room addition to our house has a flat roof that has started to leak. What is the best method to find the leak and fix it ourselves if possible? — Wendy L. Dear Wendy: Flat roofs do not typically have as long a leak-free life as pitched shingle roofs for obvious…


5 Landscaping Projects That Add Value to Your Home

Though the real estate market is booming and home prices are already at record highs, it can’t hurt to maximize the value of your property, particularly if you’re considering listing it for sale. One of the ways to accomplish this is by investing in a well-chosen landscaping project, one that impresses potential buyers and entices…


Good Flashings Defend Against Roof Leaks

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the different types of roofs you can use on your home. I should have realized it would create a tsunami of help requests regarding roof leaks at my “Ask Tim” page on AsktheBuilder.com. You may have had a roof leak that local roofers have not been able to fix,…