House Renovation Tips

Get rid of the smells and odors in the fridge
Refrigerator or freezer smells can be eliminated by wiping the entire interior of the appliance with pure vanilla extract on a cloth, rubbing it on hard. Wipe again with a clean cloth.
To kill the awful smell in a refrigerator that was left closed when the power [...]

To replace a cracked tile, start by using a masonry or carbide-tip bit to drill a hole (any size) in the center of the damaged tile. With a glass cutter, score the tile diagonally from each corner to the center hole. Then, using a hammer and a cold chisel, chip away pieces of the tile, [...]

Why Wood Decays
The fungi that destroy wood have simple needs: Air, water, moderate temperatures, and not too much sunlight, thank you. Whenever the moisture content of the wood in your home is greater than 19 percent (it feels damp to the touch), ever-present fungal spores begin to grow. As the wood dries out, the fungi [...]

You can save water-heating costs (about 15% for an average home’s energy bill) by reducing the amount you use, its temperature, and heat loss from pipes and tanks. Try some of the following, and you’ll save water, energy and money.
Insulating you water heater
Every tank-based water heater should have an add-on insulating blanket. Inexpensive and easy [...]

Most domestic water in the U.S. and developed countries is safe to drink. Large water companies, both public and private, must frequently test the supply. They also must send the results to you each year, so you can learn about what you’re drinking. You’ll see data on mineral content, plus how the water measures up [...]

If your disposal hums but doesn’t grind when you switch it on, something is probably stuck inside. Shut it off, then push the reset button or the reversing switch on the bottom of the unit. Newer disposals often have a hexagonal fitting for an Allen® wrench on the bottom. Insert the wrench and turn it [...]

When the solid tubing that supplies water to a faucet or toilet leaks, you have two choices. You can either try to work with the existing tubing, or far easier, you can start over with flexible tubing.
The trick to replacement is getting the right size fittings for each end of the tubing. The difference between [...]

When a faucet is beyond repair-or simply out of fashion-replace it with another. Unless both the old and new faucets have 8-inch or longer supply tubes, you’ll need a basin wrench to grip and turn fittings up behind the sink.
Clear space below the sink as best you can and turn off the angle stops. Slip [...]

These three steps will help you reduce the condensation in your home.
1. Produce less moisture.
Some ordinary daily activities produce a lot of moisture very quickly.
Cover pans and do not leave kettles boiling.
Avoid using paraffin and portable flueless bottled gas heaters as these heaters put a lot of moisture into the air.
Dry washing outdoors on a [...]

Attic - look for evidence of roof leaks, also openings that permit entry of bats or other pests. Inspect insulation, rafters, ventilation openings, chimney and side walls.
Basement windows - those on grade or slightly above grade, should be examined for decayed frames. replace decayed frames and missing trim.
Bathroom - check for dripping faucets, leaking shower [...]