How to Repair a Dishwasher: Control Panel The holidays are here and your kitchen will surely be getting a work out! Now is NOT the time for your dishwasher to break. Recently we found ourselves with a non-functional dishwasher. The control panel buttons stopped working and … [Read more...]
How to Replace a Wheelbarrow Tire in 5 Minutes
What happens when you are ready to do some work in the yard and discover your wheelbarrow has a flat tire? You pump it up. But, then you realize the tire is dry-rotted and no air will stay in the wheel. Trust me when I say you don't want to muscle the tire off to replace it … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Remove a Broken Light Bulb
Have you ever found yourself staring down the base of a broken light bulb? You must resist the temptation to reach up and unscrew it with your fingers. Not a smart idea. Instead you can safely remove it using one of these 4 Ways to Remove a Broken Light Bulb. Let's get to it! … [Read more...]
11 Ways to Keep Your Home Warmer this Winter
That bugger, Old Man Winter is peeking around the corner. He's ready to put the chill in your bones and push drafts through every little crack in your home. But, you can be ready for him. Is your home truly as energy efficient and secure from drafts as you think it is? Here are … [Read more...]
Protect Pipes from Freezing
In the same vein as Monday's post about adding insulation, let's continue preparing for winter. While you are under the house looking at insulation, take notice of your water pipes. Are they insulated too? If not, it's important to protect your water pipes with foam insulation to … [Read more...]
Is Your Home’s Insulation Ready for Winter?
The folks at Duluth Trading Company want you to stay warm and comfortable this winter. They have sponsored this post to help you get your home ready for winter. And to help you stay warm and comfortable while taking on these energy conserving tasks. Winter is fast approaching … [Read more...]
How to Caulk Like a Pro
Knowing how to caulk is a valuable DIY skill. A good looking caulk bead can turn a mediocre trim job into one that looks like a professional installed it. Replacing caulking around your home can also help you save money on heating and cooling. Replacing cracked and worn caulk in … [Read more...]
Refinishing a Mid-Century Sideboard
Have you ever turned down a piece of furniture that looks ruined? Aha, today's rocker is Emily and she has the superpower to make furniture look brand new again! On the Rockstar DIY stage today is a performance you won't forget. Emily will single-handedly take you through the … [Read more...]
How to Easily Clean Mildew Off Windows
Winter is tough on everyone, but it's especially tough on your home. The temperature difference between the outside and inside your home can leave a thick layer of mildew on your windows. Aluminum storm windows are especially prone to this condition. Before you open the windows … [Read more...]
How to Refinish Wood Floors without Sanding
I love our antique heart pine floors! They are beautifully distressed. The round pegs and square nails securing them in place add loads of character. However, the square nails sit flush with the surface preventing us from ever being able to refinish them with a sander. The nails … [Read more...]
Fixing a Leaky Faucet – Take 2
Remember last week when I was showing you how to fix a leaky faucet in 10 minutes? Well, sometimes a fix doesn't always solve the problem. This is not unusual in home repairs. It doesn't mean you did it wrong or it's time to call a plumber. It just means you have to look further … [Read more...]
Fix a Leaky Faucet in 10 minutes
Drip, drip, drip! Is that leaky faucet keeping you up at night? I have a 10 minute fix that will bring you sweet dreams and a lower water bill. Oftentimes the washers in faucets wear out after continuous use. Replacing them is actually easy and will only take about ten … [Read more...]
Day 25 – Do You Open or Close Crawlspace Vents
Do you leave your crawlspace vents open or closed? The great debate ends now. If you guessed open, you are right. If you guessed closed, you are also right! Crawlspace vents should be opened in the spring and closed in the fall. The reason being that you want to … [Read more...]
Day 15 – Use Good Wall Anchors
Curtain rods, towel bars, and other wall mounted accessories are relatively easy to hang. The trick is securing them to a stud so they can hold up to the abuse. But, how often have you found that you don't have a stud where you want it mounted? Probably 98% of the time, … [Read more...]
Day 5 – Add Weather Stripping to Doors and Windows
Welcome to Day 5 of my 31 Days of Handy Home Fixes. Winter is fast approaching and now is a good time to assess your doors and windows. Do you feel a draft by your window when the wind kicks up outside? Can you see daylight seeping through your door? If you answered yes to … [Read more...]
Good Day Sunshine – Yellow Painted Doors
I painted my interior front doors Benjamin Moore's Yellow Highlighter. It's my way to start my day off on the right foot. When I get up in the morning and head downstairs, I see my front doors and immediately Good Day Sunshine starts to play in my head! Let me tell you how … [Read more...]