Understanding foundation problems
Originally published on January 15, 2010
Foundation problems may mean expensive repairs. Here’s what to look for and what you need to know to keep small concerns from becoming big headaches.
Read More →Detect termites and other wood-destroying insects
Originally published on March 9, 2010
Early detection can protect your home from damage by wood-destroying insects.
Read More →Do-it-yourself home security: Windows may leave you vulnerable
Originally published on November 12, 2010
Protecting your home from break-ins starts with a do-it-yourself home security check to indicate whether your windows are an open invitation to criminals.
Read More →Mold remediation: what to expect when you hire an expert
Originally published on October 13, 2010
Mold remediation can be a pricey venture. Here’s what to look for and expect when you call in the professionals.
Read More →DIY home energy audit in 6 easy steps
Originally published on September 21, 2010
Perform your own home energy audit to see if you need fixes that can lower your energy bills by 5% to 30% annually.
Read More →Understanding your septic system
Originally published on April 19, 2010
Learn about your septic system so you can prolong its life and avoid costly breakdowns.
Read More →Chimney inspection cost and types
Originally published on October 28, 2010
With an annual fireplace chimney inspection—and possible sweeping—you can improve fireplace performance, and snuff out chimney fire and carbon monoxide concerns. Here are the types and cost of each.
Read More →Should you replace old wiring?
Originally published on December 14, 2010
If your house was built more than 40 years ago, replace old electrical wiring for safety.
Read More →Homeowners insurance: is mold covered?
Originally published on April 15, 2010
Whether mold is covered by homeowners insurance often comes down to the source of moisture and the wording of a policy.
Read More →Property zoning laws for a workshop or studio
Originally published April 27, 2010
Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property.
Read More →With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your septic tank in good shape for decades—and avoid costly repairs.
Read More →Get rid of mold: DIY or hire a Pro?
Originally published October 13, 2010
Here’s how to tell if you can get rid of mold yourself or if you need a professional.
Read More →If you have determined that the mold problem in your home or commercial building is too much for you to handle yourself, it is time to hire a professional to make sure the job gets done both safely and completely. However, if you plan to Do-It-Yourself, you may find these two videos helpful.
Read More →Water damage: What to salvage? What to toss?
Originally published on April 28, 2011
Water damage doesn’t have to be fatal. Here’s a guide to which items to keep and which to toss.
Read More →Water damage: 8 ways to dry out and move on
Originally published on April 28, 2011
Take steps to dry out quickly in order to mitigate water damage and save your possessions.
Read More →Sewage cleanup: waste no time waiting for help
Originally published on April 28, 2011
Sewage cleanup can’t wait; you’ll want to move fast to get rid of foul odors and bacteria-soaked effluent.
Read More →Smoke damage cleanup: act quickly when smoke gets in your eyes and house
Originally published on April 28, 2011
Smoke damage becomes harder to repair over time. Get rid of odors quickly to avoid a persistent problem.
Read More →Get rid of roaches forever (at least for now)
Originally published on April 28, 2011
Get rid of roaches by starving, trapping, and poisoning them: It’s a start.
Read More →10 steps to a perfect exterior paint job
Originally published on March 11, 2011
Painting the exterior of your home is a big job that costs thousands in the hands of a professional. But you can save money if you invest the time to do it yourself correctly.
Read More →10 ways to prevent costly mold damage to your home
Originally published on March 16, 2011
Fixing mold damage is an expensive and time-consuming home repair. But you can save time and money by implementing these 10 ounces of prevention.
Read More →Lead paint test kits: cheap & easy to use
Originally published on March 25, 2011
Health risks associated with lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes prompted a flood of DIY lead paint test kits. Many are accurate and simple to use.
Read More →Lead paint removal options and costs
Originally published on March 25, 2011
If testing reveals the presence of lead-based paint in your pre-1978 home, here are a few of the options at your disposal for removing it.
Read More →Asbestos removal caution and costs
Originally published on March 25, 2011
Asbestos removal may be warranted when an asbestos-containing material in your home is damaged, flaking, or crumbling. Find out what to do.
Read More →Lead paint laws and you
Originally published on March 25, 2011
Why lead paint laws? Demolition, sanding, and sawing stir up lots of dust, which can be messy and inconvenient but usually not toxic. Unfortunately, in homes constructed before 1978, renovation dust might contain lead, which is harmful when ingested or inhaled by adults and children—especially those under the age of 6. The risks of lead
Read More →Radon test: DIY or professional?
Originally published on March 25, 2011
Plan to conduct a radon test in your home, if you haven’t already. As the second leading cause of lung cancer, concentrated radon gas is nothing to ignore.
Read More →
