You Need to Know Your Roof’s ‘Snow Load’
Photo: Shawn Hamilton (Shutterstock) Most roofs constructed after modern regulations were passed in the U.S. in 1988 are built to withstand a certain amount of extra weight in the form…
How to Prepare Your House Now for the Next Bad Winter Storm
Photo: ND700 (Shutterstock) Winter weather increasingly includes high-speed windstorms as well as precipitation in many parts of the U.S. Wind can wreck things in a hurry, causing damage to housing,…
The Easiest Ways to Soundproof a Room
Photo: Prostock-studio (Shutterstock) If you live in an apartment or a condo with shared walls with other residents, or if you just really like quiet sleep, a noisy neighbor or…
Clever Ways to Add Rooms to Your Home Without an Addition
Photo: AntonSokolov (Shutterstock) Houses are frustratingly permanent. A home with two bedrooms and one bath might seem palatial when you first buy it, but add in two kids, a dog,…
How to Coat Your Flat Roof (and Why You Should)
Photo: jorgeflorez (Shutterstock) The need for roofs is universal. No matter where or how you live, having a roof over your head is vital to protect you from the elements…
When You Need a Permit for That DIY Project (and When You Don’t)
Photo: Reimar (Shutterstock) Private property is a fascinating concept. On the one hand, ownership is really just a collective agreement. On the other, protecting private property rights is key to…
Add Outdoor Space to Your Home With a DIY Roof Deck
Photo: Artazum (Shutterstock) Outdoor space is always a good thing in a home. No matter how nice your interiors are, human beings are animals, and as such, we are meant…
How to Prevent Ice Dams From Ruining Your Roof
Photo: northlight (Shutterstock) Ice dams are the result of a freeze-and-thaw cycle when there’s snow on your roof, and they suck. They can cause damage to your roof and gutters,…
Why You Need a Pot Rack (and How to Easily Install One)
Photo: Ekkapop Sittiwantana (Shutterstock) If you’re short on cabinet space or are looking for a new way to organize your pots and pans, a pot rack is often a great…
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…