Home & Auto Maintenance

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How to Hire Great Contractors and the Questions You Need to Ask

How to Hire Great Contractors and Questions You Need to Ask Hiring a great contractor can be a tough task. The actual experience can be so paralyzing that some people ultimately give up on their dreams of a renovated space. I have a good friend…
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…
Make Your Own Laundry Detergent for Only $1.25 per year
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How to Make DIY Laundry Detergent for Only $1.25 per year

Today's tip is one 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 laundry detergent, you may have choked at the cost. I have a wonderful recipe to make your own…
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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…
attach keypad
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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…
Easiest Way to Restore Automobile Headlights | Pretty Handy Girl

Easiest Way to Make Automobile Headlights New Again

Do the headlights on your car look foggy? I know, like me, you have very little time to deal with these pesky issues. I'm excited to share with you The Easiest Way to Make Automobile Headlights New Again! A year ago I spent about an hour…
How to Repaint a Metal Door

How to Repaint a Metal Storm Door

Fall is coming and that means the trick or treaters will be on your doorstep soon. How scary is your entrance? We live in an area that gets harsh winters and hot summers. The elements really take a toll on outside doors. This is a good…
How to Remove a Rusted Carriage Bolt | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Remove a Rusted Carriage Bolt

Have you ever run into a carriage bolt that is rusted and doesn't want to come out. A first approach would be to spray WD-40 on the nut to try to lubricate it. But, if that doesn't work, I have a simple solution! Here's How to Remove a…
How to Install Cable Railings | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Install Low Visibility Cable Railings

Today I have a special tutorial for you! Have you ever fallen in love with cable railings but worried you couldn't install them yourself? I have great news. You can learn How to Install Low Visibility Cable Railings from this tutorial! (This…
How to Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Replace Door Knobs and Deadbolts

Do you want to learn how to replace the door knobs and deadbolts in your home? Do you have mismatched door hardware? Or do you have several different locks in your home but want to have them all match the same key? The solution to all…
4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges (& more) | Pretty Handy Girl

4 Ways to Remove Paint from Metal Hinges (& other door hardware)

Do you find yourself in the unfortunately situation of having door hinges that have been painted over? I get your frustration. Almost every door hinge in our house has been painted over. Taping off a hinge when you paint a door is not hard…
10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget | Pretty Handy Girl

10 Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

When I first took on the task of getting my client's home ready to sell, I knew the kitchen could make or break the sale. Kitchens are the first room buyers evaluate when trying to decide whether to put in an offer on a house. Some reasons…
How to Repair Window & Door Screens | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Fix Window & Door Screens

A screened porch or screens in your door and windows are a beautiful thing when you want to enjoy the fresh air outside but don't want to invite mosquitos to feast on you. Today I'll show you How to Fix Window or Door Screens so you can…