Home & Auto Maintenance

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DIY Car Maintenance: How to Extend the Life and Value of Your Vehicle

Stop overpaying at the auto shop! Try these DIY car maintenance hacks that show you how to handle common car problems quickly and affordably. DIY Car Maintenance Taking care of your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.…

STOP! Don’t Put Replacement Windows in Your Home before Reading This

The $20,000 Window Secret: What Those Window Suppliers Won’t Tell You Hello, homeowners! Today, I’m putting on my general contractor hat to talk to you about a topic that often gets me into a "heated" discussion: replacement windows. By…
4 image collage home maintenance exterior
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27 DIY Exterior Home Maintenance Tasks

Tackle these 27 DIY exterior home maintenance tasks to keep your house in great shape. Easy, budget-friendly tips you can handle yourself. Home Maintenance Projects for the Exterior of Your Home Taking care of the exterior of your…
4 image collage home maintenance tasks

Easy Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Probably Not Doing but Should (Interior)

Save money and avoid costly repairs with these DIY home maintenance ideas. Step-by-step fixes and seasonal tips to keep your house running smoothly. Home Maintenance Tasks Keeping up with home maintenance can feel overwhelming, especially…
diy laundry detergent with chalkboard label
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How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent for Only $1.25 per year

Today's tip is a DIY laundry detergent recipe that is gentle on your washer (HE and regular), but most importantly it will save you money! If you've ever looked at the cost of store-bought detergents, you may have choked at the cost.…
How to Install a Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Install a Ceiling Fan

Easily learn how to install a ceiling fan by following this simple step-by-step installation process. No licensed electrician required. Ceiling Fan Installation Project I've installed probably a dozen ceiling fans in my life. Pretty…
Are You Sure You're Ready to Take on a Home Renovation? | Pretty Handy Girl
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Are You Sure You’re Ready to Take on a Home Renovation?

There comes a time in any homeowner's life when they contemplate taking on a home renovation. Today I want to help you answer if you are sure you're ready to take on a home renovation? Are You Ready to Take on a Home Renovation? Today…
Asbestos Removal and Everything you wanted to know about asbestos
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Asbestos Removal – Everything You Wanted to Know and More

Asbestos is a word you hear thrown around once in a while usually before or during home renovations. It's important that you understand what Asbestos is, where it can be found, and the removal process. Today let's learn about Asbestos Removal…
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How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly

No one wants their heating to die in the winter, or their air conditioning to stop cooling in the summer. For that reason I have several tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly: Too…
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How to Hire Great Contractors and the Questions You Need to Ask

As a general contractor, I've perfected how to hire great contractors. Over the years I've put together a list of questions I ask when interviewing contractors and calling references. Don't let yourself be scammed, learn how to hire great contractors. How…
Free printable moving checklist - the only checklist you'll need for a successful move

Free Printable Moving Checklist Plus Essential Tips

I am originally from the East Coast, moved to the West Coast, and now I’m back on the East Coast. That makes this the 2nd time I’ve officially moved cross country and I guess that makes me a bit of an expert at this point. Today I'll share…
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Millie’s Remodel Update: Exterior Front Reveal

Get a load of this transformation! See Millie's Remodel and her exterior front reveal. Plus, I'm sharing tips to help you keep your home protected from termites when landscaping. Millie's Remodel Update: Exterior Front Reveal This update…
Fixing Common Door Problems
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Fixing Common Door Problems

Do you have a door that sticks or doesn't close properly? You are not alone. Many factors can contribute to this problem. Let's learn how fixing common door problems can be easy. Fixing Common Door Problems Do you have a door that sticks…
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Millie’s Remodel: HVAC Update + How to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

This is the next update in the Millie's Remodel series. Recently I had to decide whether I needed to replace the HVAC unit for Millie. Although it was an expensive proposition, the decision on brand was an easy one for me. Millie's Remodel:…
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Anatomy of the Perfect Contractor’s Truck

After over two years of general contracting, I've finally transformed my truck into the perfect contractor's truck. Whether you're a woodworker, a contractor, a remodeler, or a serial DIYer, you'll find this article about the Anatomy of the…
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What You Need in Your Disaster Preparedness Emergency Kit

Let's take a few minutes to learn What You Need in Your Disaster Preparedness Emergency Kit. It might save your life! What You Need in Your Disaster Preparedness Emergency Kit Intense weather patterns are becoming much more common. Sadly…
shoe stretcher materials
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How to Stretch Tight Shoes

How to Stretch Tight Shoes Have you ever bought a pair of shoes because they were super cute, but they were a tad too tight. If you're like me, you probably bought them and thought, "They'll stretch out if I wear them enough." Then a year or…
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How to Remove Scratches from a Cast Iron Sink or Tub

To keep our cast iron fixtures looking new, I have a never-fail formula to clean and remove all those scuffs and scratches! Here's how I clean our cast iron sinks and bathtubs. How to Clean Cast Iron Sinks and Bathtubs While I was helping…
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How and Why You Should Install a Smart Lock on Your Door

How and Why You Should Install a Smart Lock on Your Door Smart locks have been around for a while, but I've been slow to jump on the bandwagon and install a smart lock. I worried they might be tricky to install and had heard stories of the…
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How to Drill New Door Knob Holes

How to Drill New Holes for Door Knobs Every once in a while, you might find yourself with a new (or old) door that needs a hole drilled into it for a door knob (or a deadbolt). Today I have the perfect tutorial to ease your mind and help you…
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How to Fix Cracks in Door Panels without Taking the Door Apart

How to Fix Cracks in Door Panels without Taking the Door Apart Wooden doors will develop cracks over time, especially if the panels aren't free to expand and contract. Most of the time, years of paint or caulking the seams around the panels…
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How I Kept my High Efficiency Washer Mold Free for 10+ Years

It's been a decade since we bought our front-loading HE washer and I've managed to keep it smelling clean for 10 years! With just three simple steps, you too can banish the funky, mildew, and moldy smelling clothes washer. Here's How to Keep…
How to Install a New Window
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How to Install a New Window

Installing new windows on your home isn’t rocket science, but it is recommended that you have some construction experience before tackling this project. If you have the skills, the install should only take an hour or less. Today I'll show…
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Do You Need New Windows? Things to Consider Before You Buy

You've decided it's time to replace your windows (or you are building a house and need to order new windows.) Deciding which windows to purchase can be an overwhelming process. I'm here to help. Do You Need New Windows? Things to Consider Before…

How is Drywall Made and What is Purple Drywall?

How is Drywall Made and What is Purple Drywall? Watching how drywall is made may sound akin to watching paint dry, but let me tell you that couldn't be further from the truth! It is a very cool process to observe! Plus, I'm about to rock…
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Exterior Paint Color Scheme at Saving Etta

Exterior Paint Color Scheme at Saving Etta Things are moving along on the house. I know I owe you another Saving Etta chapter. Please know it's on my to do list. The past two weeks have been absolutely insane. My electrician, plumber, and…
How to Repair Your Dishwasher - Control Panel Replacement
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How to Repair a Dishwasher

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…
Is Your House Making You Sick? Top Tips to Improve Air Quality

Top Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Top Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air Quality Have you ever asked yourself if those persistent cold and allergy symptoms could be caused by your house? Sick houses and the horror stories of chronic health symptoms are all over the news.…
How to Replace Your Grill Ignitor

How to Replace a Grill Igniter

How to Replace a Gas Grill Igniter Nothing beats using a gas grill to make a quick, delicious dinner! However, when the electric igniter no longer works, you may be tempted to throw up your hands and buy a new grill (or cook inside forever…
How to Replace Refrigerator Water Filters in Less than 2 Minutes

How to Replace Refrigerator Water Filters

How to Replace Refrigerator Water Filters You just got a new refrigerator (or maybe you've owned this one for several months.) Is it time to replace your refrigerator water filter? Great, all you need is a new water filter and two minutes and…
Emergency Kit Contents

How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you're probably enjoying the crisp fall weather before winter brings cold, snow and ice. Will you be ready when it arrives? More importantly, will your car be ready…
Wood Slice Fireplace Draft Stopper

21 Tips to Make Your Home Winter Ready

21 Tips to Make Your Home Winter Ready Are you ready for winter? I know, I know, fall just arrived. But, there's no time like fall to get your home ready for the cold of winter. The seasons seem to pass us by in a flash. The warm nights making…

How to Safely Use and Store a Generator

When storms threaten your power, do you have a generator to keep you comfortable and save your food from spoiling? I've contemplated buying a generator before each major storm threat, but they are usually sold out by the time I make it to…
Installing Cabinet Handles the Easy Way | Pretty Handy Girl
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Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way

After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I've made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles…
2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl
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Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long

Have you ever put new knobs on a cabinet only to find out that the screw is too long. It's a pain for sure. That little project that you thought would take a few minutes is now going to require a trip to the hardware store — or will it.…
How to Fix a Wobbly Chair or Side Table | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Fix a Wobbly Chair or Table

Do you have a wobbly chair or table? Don't throw it away because today I'll show you How to Fix that Wobbly Chair or Table! You'll only need a few supplies for this project and it won't take you very long, so let's get fixing! Materials: (I've…
How to Make an Old Water Heater More Energy Efficient | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Make a Tank Style Water Heater More Energy Efficient

At the beginning of 2016 government standards dictated that new tank style water heaters must be more energy efficient. In response, manufacturers added internal insulation to new heaters. Unfortunately for those of us with tiny crawlspace…
How to Replace a Wheelbarrow Tire in 5 Minutes | Pretty Handy Girl
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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…
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What No One Will Tell You About Farmhouse Sinks

When we bought our farmhouse sink, I naively thought I wanted one because they looked so beautiful in photos of farmhouse style kitchens. Now that we've had our farmhouse sink for three years, I want to tell you What No One Will Tell You…
4 Ways to Remove a Broken Light Bulb | Pretty Handy Girl
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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…