Paint blistering is caused by paint losing adhesion to the base coat of paint or underlying drywall, plaster, and wood. The best way to prevent this is to identify what caused the bubbles and remediate that issue. Learn about factors that cause bubbling paint and how to address them.
Understand the difference between “dry time” and “cure time” when it comes to caulking. Most products become dry to the touch after several minutes, but don’t fully cure for days. Learn about factors that determine the dry-time for caulk.
Over time, tile grout can stain, crack, and come loose which means it's time to repair or replace it. Grout repair is easy and budget-friendly and can update the look of kitchen or bathroom tile. Damaged grout can make your tile look old and worn, and can also create an environment for bacteria and mold growth.
Installing wood flooring improves the overall appearance of a room and increases the value of your home. Hardwood flooring costs vary based on the type of wood, width of the planks, stain, adhesive, and style. On average, 50-75 percent of your budget will be for materials and the rest to installation. Some contractors will include the removal of old wood flooring or carpeting with the price of installation and trim while others do not. Learn more about costs to expect when installing hardwood flooring.
While bathroom remodels have some of the highest ROI of any home renovation, costs can quickly escalated for this type of project. Factors impacting the cost of a remodel include room size, shape, number of fixtures, and changing the layout. Higher-end fixtures and finishes also increase the cost. Learn ways to save money and still get the look you want.
Mold creates a stale, damp scent and the smell is a first sign of mold or mildew. Homeowners should identify the source of the smell and cause of the mold quickly, and remediate the mold as soon as possible as waiting to address the issue can result in a more arduous removal process.
Black mold usually appears as a black stain in a high-moisture area. It is most commonly found in bathrooms or other areas with damp conditions, poor ventilation, and high temperatures; damp basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. If a homeowner finds black mold, remediation will depend on how significant the spread is.
There’s a lot of confusion about differences between mold and mildew. Both are fungi that thrive in moisture and are often found in the home, mainly in areas damaged by water. But, while they have many similarities, some key characteristics also differentiate them and how they are remediated.
When you're switching out a bathtub, insulate underneath the new one to increase heat-retaining properties. Bathtub materials vary in their heat-retaining properties, and it’s easy and inexpensive to increase any bathtub’s ability to retain heat with insulation.
Instead of waiting for serious issues to happen, make a monthly schedule of simple home maintenance tasks to tackle. Learn more about chores that, if completed regularly, will help to avoid bigger problems.