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Discovering & Fixing a Compromised Load-Bearing Wall
This 1970s St. Louis ranch home was purchased as a fixer-upper. There were many obvious improvements to be made, and a home inspection showed it was in decent shape, making it a good candidate for a remodel and updates. While renovations were in full swing, Mosby...Q&A: Dealing with a Beeping Hardwire Smoke Detector
Question We had to switch to hardwire smoke detectors a few years ago. Lately, the unit in the basement continually beeps in about 2 minute intervals. There’s no smoke or fire threat, and I’ve reset the breaker box to silence it, but it goes back to beeping. How do we...Q&A: How Often Should I Clean My Ductwork?
QUESTION How often do you advise to have my ductwork cleaned? When I removed the cold air returns recently, the ducts seemed to be pretty clean. I change the filter on a regular basis, have no pets, and the house is about 36 years. Are there guidelines for this?...Q&A: Water Pipe Calcium Build Up Cause and Solutions
Question We’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel and when the sink water valves were cut off there were calcium pellets inside the hot water pipe, only (photo above). We always had issues with the hot water pressure being weaker than the cold, and it takes forever to...Q&A: How to Stop an Atrium Window Leak
We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question I have a 9-year old house with a tall wall of atrium windows,...Read This List Before Construction Starts in Your Home
Read This List Before Construction Starts in Your Home It’s a big deal to have a remodeling construction crew in your home. It’s the start of bringing your design plans to life, and you need assurance that the noise and chaos leads to a satisfying result. Clearly...Tips for Choosing the Right Fence For Your Home
Most every home has some kind of fencing on the grounds. When it comes to choosing a fence, there are many things to consider. Here’s a basic primer on how to choose the right fence for your home. The Purpose of the Fence If you need a secure fence to keep animals and...Q&A: Is Our Drain Tile Blocked?
We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question My husband suspects our drain tile is blocked. Short of digging...Q&A: Should I Add Another Downspout to My Gutters?
We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question I have a 41 foot span of guttering across the back of my villa...A Quick Guide to Radiant Floor Heating
If you feel uneven heating in your home during cold weather, you’re experiencing the physics of air movement. Heat naturally rises. With a forced-air system, heat is pushed to the ceiling and you wait for it to drop down as it cools. With a radiant floor...How to Keep Your Home Safe from a Break-in
According to the FBI, a home break-in occurs every 13 seconds, most often in daylight hours, and 30% of the time the burglar came in through an unlocked or open window or door. “Nonprofessional” thieves look for empty homes with the easiest access with cover that...Q&A: What Causes the Fireplace Smell in Our House?
We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question. Question On certain days, our first floor fireplace causes a smell to...