How to Tell If a House Has ‘Good Bones’
Photo: Jeffrey B. Banke (Shutterstock) Not-so-recently built homes are often described by realtors as having “good bones,” meaning a strong structure and high level of quality and craftsmanship at their…
Everything You Should Know About Your Crawl Space but Are Afraid to Ask
Photo: JPJPJP (Shutterstock) Adulting is not easy, but if you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Literally no one feels like a real…
How to Quiet Creaky Floors in an Older House
Photo: MeSamong (Shutterstock) Living in an older house is, for many reasons, an experience. From architectural details you don’t see anymore, to layers of paint and wallpaper, to custom built-ins,…
6 Painless Home Improvement Projects You Should Tackle Before the End of Fall
Photo: karamysh (Shutterstock) For a punch of color and a simple update, a fresh coat of paint on the front door goes a long way. In addition to giving the…
8 Things to Do to Make Your Attic Livable
Photo: KUPRYNENKO ANDRII (Shutterstock) When finishing an attic (or basement, for that matter), headroom is a key factor. While building codes vary from place to place, the “rule of sevens”…
How to Finish Your Basement Without Actually Finishing It
Photo: Meghan Moravcik Walbert So you never got around to “finishing” your basement, but that doesn’t mean it should go unused. If you have a lot of space down there…
How to Create a More Welcoming Laundry Area (Because You Deserve Such a Thing)
Photo: New Africa (Shutterstock) When you’re trying to wash, dry, and sort through pile after pile of your family’s laundry, an organized and functional workspace can make all the difference.…
How to Make Your Air Conditioner More Effective and Efficient
Photo: J.D.S (Shutterstock) As temperatures across the country continue to rise—along with the humidity and our electricity bills—our air conditioners are getting a workout. But if your home has central…
How to Close Off Your Home’s ‘Open Concept’ Now That You Hate It
It’s what every show on HGTV had brainwashed you into believing you wanted: An open floor plan. The appeal was clear. Homes with open floor plans feel bigger, brighter and…
How to Keep Your Basement from Flooding When Snow & Ice Start to Melt
Photo: cunaplus (Shutterstock) Over the past few weeks, many parts of the country have experienced serious winter weather—including areas that don’t normally see that kind of snow and ice. And…