Tag: home improvement

Refresh Your Bathroom, No Remodeling Required

When the budget doesn’t allow for a complete bathroom remodel, or it isn’t yet time for this project, these easy, clever changes can create a big effect. For the cost of a gallon of paint—or perhaps just a quart, depending on the size of your bathroom—you can have a whole new look, one that will…


Is Drywall as Good as Real Plaster?

Dear James: We are planning a substantial room addition to our dream home. We are not on a tight budget, and we want everything done right. Should we use plaster walls or standard drywall walls? — Sheila T. Dear Sheila: Hmm — plaster?! Most people think that real plaster walls are a relic from yesteryear….


Don’t Fall for These Bathroom Renovation Ripoffs

By Hunter Boyce From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution As home prices start to drop around the country in response to rising mortgage rates, many home sellers are looking for ways to increase their property values. Renovating for a return on investment can be a tricky thing, however. Many big renovation projects never make their money back….


What Are the Benefits of an Electric Fireplace?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi For homeowners who like the warm and cozy aesthetic of a fireplace but can’t or won’t go to the hassle of installing a chimney for a wood-burning or gas fireplace, an electric fireplace provides a fine alternative. Although electric fireplaces don’t provide heat, or at least any…


Make Your Asphalt Shingles Last 50 Years

A week ago, I made a decision to ratchet up my ability to save readers as much money as possible in these very challenging financial times. Inflation is raging. In my opinion, it’s going to get worse. Use the URL I provide at the end of this column to tell me what issue you’re having….


Remove Texture Paint

A texture finish can call attention to a not-so-remarkable wall or ceiling, but if that rustic surface isn’t your style you can remove it. However, the job is a time-consuming and often messy project. The fact that it’s tedious is another issue. The project is ideal for a newbie DIYer, because it’s work that requires…


Quiet Acoustic Tiles Are Easy to Install

Dear James: It gets too noisy in the kids’ playroom. Are acoustic ceiling tiles difficult to install myself, and are there attractive ones made for home use? — Michelle Y. Dear Michelle: Most people like the sound-deadening characteristics of acoustic tiles, but then they think they must look like those big, ugly tiles in a…


Make Old Tiles Look New by Regrouting

Dear James: The grout on the bathroom tiles is crumbling and looks dark even after using bleach. I don’t want to remove the tile and redo it. Can I just replace the grout myself? — Damon W. Dear Damon: You probably won’t have to remove any tiles in the discolored grout areas. Where the grout…


Tools 201: Expanding the Do-It-Yourself Tool Chest

Whether you’re a homeowner or apartment dweller, you’ve probably already discovered the sense of satisfaction that comes from something as simple as grabbing a nearby screwdriver and tightening a loose knob on a dresser drawer, or using pliers to fix a leak beneath the sink. Having the right tools and knowing how to use them…


How Can I Help Love Where I Live? Gather Around a Custom Kitchen Island

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Not all home upgrades are a true necessity. Sometimes, you just want to love where you live. And as the cooler months approach, it’s an excellent time to consider upgrades that will infuse warmth and happiness around your home. Snuggle up to these five ways to increase…