Home Maintenance

How Long Do Sump Pumps Last? Common Signs of Wear to Note

By |2025-08-08T12:23:28-05:00August 8th, 2025|Home Maintenance|

A sump pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment for homes with basements or crawlspaces. It prevents water buildup, protects your foundation, and helps control moisture levels that can lead to mold or structural issues. But sump pumps don’t last forever: if you’re not sure how old yours is or how long

What is Concrete Efflorescence? Causes and Fixes

By |2025-06-13T14:53:39-05:00June 13th, 2025|Exterior, Home Maintenance|

If you have ever noticed white, chalky stains on your basement walls, garage floor, or concrete patio, you have likely seen concrete efflorescence. Many homeowners worry this is a sign of serious damage or mold, but that is not always the case. So, what is concrete efflorescence? In this guide, we will explain what it

When Your House Smells Musty But You See No Mold

By |2025-05-09T11:58:50-05:00May 9th, 2025|Home Maintenance, Mold|

You walk in the door and something's… off. Your house smells damp, earthy, and musty, but you can’t find any visible mold. You’re not crazy or imagining the smell of wet socks, and you’re not alone. The occurrence isn’t uncommon, and while it might seem harmless since there’s no obvious mold, it could also be

Common Egress Window Requirements & Other Basement Safety

By |2025-04-25T12:03:01-05:00April 17th, 2025|Fire Safety, Home Maintenance|

If you have a basement, especially one that's finished or has a bedroom, you've probably come across the term egress window. It might sound technical, but it’s actually pretty simple — and important. Egress windows are emergency exits. If a fire or another serious situation makes it impossible to get upstairs, this window gives people

9 Pool Safety Tips and Tools Every House Should Have

By |2025-03-18T06:41:45-05:00March 18th, 2025|Exterior, Home Maintenance|

Having a swimming pool at your house means endless opportunities for fun, relaxation, and memorable gatherings. But every year, thousands of pool-related injuries occur, impacting people of all ages, from children and teens to adults and even pets. Knowing the habits, rules, and tools to employ at home can make a world of difference in

What to Do About a Damaged Brick Fireplace Hearth

By |2025-02-14T15:46:19-06:00February 14th, 2025|Fire Safety, Home Maintenance|

A brick fireplace hearth sees a lot of action—which means they're commonly damaged, too. It takes the heat from roaring fires, endures falling logs, and stands up to years of foot traffic. When cracks form, mortar crumbles, or bricks loosen, it’s as much a safety risk as it is an eyesore. Some damage is cosmetic

Top Mistakes to Avoid During a Baseboard Caulk Project

By |2024-12-05T09:35:35-06:00December 5th, 2024|Home Maintenance|

Ever started a home project that seemed easy but quickly spiraled into frustration? Adding or refinishing caulk work on a baseboard is one of those tasks where a small misstep can mean uneven lines, gaps that don’t seal, or a finish that doesn’t last. The good news is most of these mistakes are completely avoidable

Can You Fill Cracks in a Concrete Porch Yourself?

By |2024-11-06T14:15:57-06:00November 6th, 2024|Construction, Home Maintenance|

Cracks in the concrete on your porch can sneak up on you and turn a once-smooth surface into something unsightly and even hazardous. From weather shifts to settling, even minor cracks can have an impact. The good news is that many can be repaired, often independently. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to

How to Identify and Remove Efflorescence

By |2024-10-24T09:56:16-05:00October 24th, 2024|Home Maintenance|

If you've ever noticed white, chalky patches on your basement walls or concrete, you're not alone. This common issue, called efflorescence, might seem concerning at first, but the good news is that it's easy to remove. More importantly, it’s a sign that moisture is sneaking into your walls—a problem that needs attention. In this post,

Combatting 3 Common Problems for Roof Trusses

By |2024-09-26T11:26:02-05:00September 26th, 2024|Architecture, Home Maintenance|

Roof trusses play a crucial role in keeping your home safe, supporting the roof, and maintaining its overall structure. But when problems arise—like truss lift, sagging, or wood rot—they can lead to more serious issues that threaten your home’s stability. If left unchecked, these problems could result in costly repairs, structural damage, and headaches you’d