The heat of summer will soon be bearing down, giving millions of window-mounted air conditioners a real workout. Many owners of said units are wondering why their air conditioners aren’t working properly. Good news! In most situations, consumers can fix a window air conditioner themselves, provided they have the right information and an inexpensive handy…
How to Secure Your Home on a Budget
Dear James: There have been some break-ins in my neighborhood, so I want to improve security at home. I’m on a tight budget. What are some simple do-it-yourself security tips? —Darrel K. Dear Darrel: Almost every homeowner is on a tight budget these days, but there are still some things you can do to make…
7 Ways to Update a Basic Bathroom
Sure, the ever-functional bathroom is sometimes swept aside in favor of decorating more grandiose rooms. But your bathroom doesn’t have to be boring! It’s the little details that count, so we’ve rounded up seven easy DIY updates for every part of the room, from the walls down to the bottom of your vanity. They’re also…
Simple Tips for Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Dear James: There are leaks in our garage when it rains. The dark shingle roof is about 20 years old. Is it better to try to just fix the leaks or re-shingle the entire garage roof? —Jennifer T. Dear Jennifer: At 20 years, your roof is reaching the typical life of an asphalt shingle roof….
Add a Walk-In Closet to Your Master Bedroom
Dear James: We created a master bedroom from two smaller bedrooms. Now, we want to build a walk-in closet into a corner. How big should one be, and how should we build it? —Aaron M. Dear Aaron: A walk-in closet is found in almost every master bedroom these days. This is a pretty simple do-it-yourself…
Make a Small House Seem Larger Indoors With Proper Design Features
Dear James: We are on a strict budget for our new home. It will have to be fairly small overall. What are some design tips for making the living space seem bigger than it actually is? —Kellie D. Dear Kellie: The modern trend in homebuilding is smaller houses. Building material costs are very high right…
Florida Family Turn Old School Bus Into Home on Wheels, Plan 1 Year Trip After Dad Lost Job
When a Seminole Heights father lost his job last year, he and his wife went on to do something incredible. Instead of job hunting, Eric Hildebrand and Ingrid Poole decided to pursue their dream of traveling “affordably” with their family of five. So, they purchased a school bus, turned it into a tiny home, and…
Woman Renovates 117-Year-Old Baltimore Rowhome Kitchen—and the Transformation Is Stunning
When it came time to renovate her 117-year-old kitchen, Anna Luttrell didn’t flinch at the idea of doing all the work herself. Now, her Baltimore home has been completely overhauled, with a DIY redo that would slacken the jaw of most Pinterest moms. And the best part? The remodel was done on a $13,000 budget….
Is It Better to Rent or Buy Drywall Hanging Tools/Equipment?
Dear James: Much of the drywall in my house is uneven and needs to be replaced. I plan to hang the drywall myself. Are there tools or fixtures that will make it easier for a beginner? —Noah L. Dear Noah: Hanging drywall is not as difficult as most people think it is. Apparently, the original…
Make Sure Concrete Is Properly Poured to Minimize Cracks
Dear James: I am having a new house built in an area where others have had many cracks in the concrete. What should our builder pay attention to in order to avoid this in our house? —Logan G. Dear Logan: It is not unusual to have some cracks form in concrete. It takes time for…
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2025
- April 2025
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- September 2013
- July 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- December 1
-
Meta