Maintenance & Repair

  1. Proper Spackling Techniques
    Spackle on drywall

    Repairing holes and dings in walls with spackle and paint is one of the easiest home improvement projects you can undertake to vastly improve the look of your home’s interior. Keep reading to learn proper spackling technique so that you know how

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  2. How to Repair Stucco
    Newly repaired stucco exterior

    Stucco exteriors have many advantages. Stucco is insulating and can make heating and cooling a home energy efficient. It can reduce outside noise, is fire retardant and can last for decades, if you maintain it. Cracks and holes must be fixed as soon as

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  3. Balcony Safety: 5 Steps to Protect Your Kids & Pets
    Safe balcony overlooking backyard

    Balconies are beautiful additions and can provide bountiful views, but they can also pose a safety hazard if not maintained. In addition, they can pose a danger to small children or pets if steps aren’t taken to make them as safe as they can be.

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  4. How to Repair a Ceramic or Porcelain Sink
    Repaired porcelain sink

    The bathroom sink can receive a lot of wear from constant use and abuse. If your sink basin is chipped or cracked, you can fix it up without having to replace the whole sink. Follow these tips to learn how to repair porcelain and ceramic sinks.

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  5. How to Unclog a Drain & Keep It Clear
    Faucet water splashing in repaired drain

    Regular maintenance and minor repairs to your drains are essential to keeping them clean and clear. Doing it yourself also can save you from an expensive visit from a plumber.

    Avoid a Clogged Drain

    If you want your drains to flow like

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  6. How to Choose the Best Humidifier for Your Home
    Ultrasonic humidifier

    During winter, does it often still feel chilly, even with the heat on? Are you getting shocked by static electricity? Do you have nose and throat irritation? The heated air inside your home expands and pulls moisture away from everything it touches, and

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  7. How to Install a Doorbell
    Ringing video doorbell with camera

    Installing a doorbell is a home improvement project that requires little investment and just a little bit of time. You have a few options when it comes to doorbells. Wireless units are

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  8. How to Install a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet
    New kitchen faucet pouring water

    Thinking about redecorating or modernizing your kitchen or bath? A brand new faucet adds instant pizzazz to the two most popular rooms in your home. If it's been a while since you replaced your faucets, you're in for a pleasant surprise — today's

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  9. How to Install an Attic Ventilator Fan
    Attic fan

    When it's hot outside, warm air builds up in the attic. This air has to escape so that your house can cool efficiently. Proper ventilation in the attic releases this excessive heat build-up, saving you money on home cooling. For effective ventilation,

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  10. How to Repair or Replace Window & Door Screens
    Screen door cracked open to balcony

    It’s spring — time to open windows and doors to let in some fresh air. While invigorating outside air is welcome inside, open windows and doors are a two-way street. Let in what you want and keep out what you don’t by installing screens on windows and d

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  11. How to Replace Front Door Hardware
    Front door decorated with wreath

    Because your home's front door is often the most commonly used, it requires some attention to stay in great shape. Fortunately, you can tackle door maintenance and repairs yourself without spending a lot of time or money.

    Install a New Door Lockset

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  12. How to Open Stuck Windows Painted Shut
    Windows with wood frames painted shut

    Do you have a window that you can't pry open? Or a few that suffer from smudges, streaks or torn screens? If so, it's time you got those windows looking and working like new. Here are some simple home maintenance techniques that will get your windows

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  13. 5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe Outdoors
    Girl swinging energetically outside in summer

    You don’t have to watch your kids every second while they play outside. You also can’t prevent all potential accidents. You can make sure they play as safely as possible, though, by taking a few simple precautions to make your yard safer. Follow the bel

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  14. Fall Season Safety: 4 Outdoor Hazards to Avoid
    Burning fall leaves in metal drum outside
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  15. How to Prevent or Thaw Frozen Pipes
    Frozen garden hose and connector in winter

    During the winter, pipes can often freeze and then burst, leading to expensive repairs. However, bursting pipes are a nightmare that you can avoid by taking a few preventative measures. Taking the

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  16. How to Repair Cracks in Your Asphalt or Concrete Driveway
    Repairing cracks in driveway asphalt

    Cracks not only make your driveway look unattractive and unkempt, if left unattended, they can eventually grow and cause the driveway to crumble. Whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, the more proactive you are at catching and repairing cracks,

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  17. How to Replace a Light Switch or Electrical Outlet
    Cord plugged into new electrical outlet

    Placing an old light switch or electrical outlet is a simple DIY update that almost anyone can do. However, because electricity is involved, it’s not a project to be taken lightly. As long as you take the steps to stay safe, all you need is a screwdriver,

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  18. How to Caulk a Waterproof & Airtight Seal
    Man sealing window sill with caulk

    Caulk and sealant are an indispensable part of any homeowner’s toolbox. Whether you’re using them for waterproofing, or to keep your home airtight and energy-efficient, knowing how to properly apply them is a must so that they work effectively.

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  19. How I Replaced My Doorbell, Step by Step
    Old antique doorbell

    Recently, while sweeping leaves off the front porch, I noticed my old doorbell ringer was looking pretty sad. After 20+ years it was time to consider replacing it.

    old
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  20. Outdoor Solar Lights: My Easy Installation in Less Than 10 Minutes
    Installing outdoor solar spotlights

    Hi Everyone! It's Taryn from Design, Dining and Diapers, and today I'm talking about outdoor lighting. Now, I know what you are thinking, 'But, it's SO expensive' and 'But, I would have to hire someone

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  21. 6 Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
    Healthy house plants cleaning indoor air

    Did you know the air inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside? A troubling thought, but don't panic. There are easy ways you can improve the quality of the air inside your home.

    Step 1: Know What's in Your Air

    A number

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  22. The Essential Guide to Home Fire Safety
    Smoke detector in house fire

    Home is where we feel safe, secure and comfortable. But even at home, accidents and unforeseen incidents can happen when we least expect them. Get some peace of mind by following these home safety tips and taking the necessary steps to decrease the chance

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  23. My Bathroom Renovation: Laying a Tile Floor
    Newly installed bathroom tile with grout and seal
    bathroom with tile floor

    We recently completed our boy’s bathroom renovation which included adding a tile floor. The tile floor almost didn’t happen because I was so afraid of the cleaning and maintenance aspect. While tile is very durable, I was coming from

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  24. How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
    Water condensation on steamy shower walls

    When you step out of the shower are the walls and other bathroom surfaces covered with condensation? Over time, this moisture and humidity can make paint begin to peel, cabinets and doors can warp and even mold can start to prosper in corners. You can

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