House Renovation Tips

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 [...]

If you think a pipe already has frozen, do not wait for nature to take its course, thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a licensed plumber for help.
1. Open all faucets
One or more pipes may not be completely frozen and even a small water flow might thaw the obstruction.
2. If it does [...]

Before the freezing time of the year comes, you should know these few tips to prevent your water lines from freezing:
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors.
Close any inside valves that supply water to outdoor hose bibs.
Open the outside hose bibs and allow the water to drain.
Keep the outside valve open to allow any remaining [...]

Know where your water shut-off valve is and test it regularly.
Even if you just need to make a few repairs, knowing how and where to turn off your water is important for every member of the household. For most houses, this valve is usually located at the front of the home, near a hose bib. [...]

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 [...]

1. For return on investment, the best home renovation is to upgrade an old bathroom. Kitchens come in second. If the only reason for renovating a house is to increase the possible sale price, the best way is to go with renovations that research shows return more than the cost to renovate. Adding extensions and [...]