Power surges during storms can fry your electronics fast—especially if lightning hits nearby or the grid takes a hit. Even surge protectors don’t always hold up to the kind of spike a direct strike can cause. Unplugging takes a few seconds and can save you thousands in damage. Here’s what to pull the plug on…
Your garage can turn into a fire hazard real quick—especially in summer when heat, gas fumes, and electrical tools all mix in one space. These are the most common (and preventable) risks to keep an eye on. Storing Gasoline or Propane Near a Heat Source If fuel cans are near a water heater, dryer, or…
Lightning doesn’t need a big storm to strike—it just needs the right conditions and a tall or conductive object in the wrong place. These things in your yard can pull a strike fast, especially if they’re not grounded or positioned well. Tall Trees Close to the House Trees near your roofline can pull lightning and…
Just because it fits in the outlet doesn’t mean it’s safe. Some combinations overload circuits, heat up cords, or create fire hazards. Here are the things you shouldn’t plug in at the same time. Microwave and Toaster Both pull a lot of power fast. Running them on the same circuit can trip the breaker—or worse,…
Dirt driveways sound fine in theory. Cheap to build, looks country, no big deal—until you live with one through a couple seasons. We’ve had a few, and I’ll be honest: if you don’t plan for the reality of it, you’re going to be frustrated fast. Here’s what people don’t mention before you commit. It’s Always…
When you’re picking where to put your house, it’s tempting to focus on the view or shade. But the wrong house site will come back to bite you—every storm, every dry spell, every repair. Here are the things that make a spot easier to live on and maintain long-term, even if they don’t seem flashy…
Buying raw land is exciting—until you realize how fast the bills start stacking up if you don’t plan it right. A lot of folks dive in headfirst, thinking they’ll figure it out as they go. That’s a good way to blow a chunk of your budget on the wrong things. If you want to stretch…
Mobile home skirting takes a beating—from weather, animals, weed trimmers, and time. If you don’t keep it in check, it’ll start looking rough fast. These tips will help you keep yours in place and looking clean for the long haul. Secure the Bottom Edge with Ground Stakes or Bricks One of the first places skirting…
Getting water set up on rural land isn’t always as easy as calling the city and connecting to a meter. From permits to pressure issues, it can become a project all its own. Here’s what made our experience harder than it needed to be—so you can avoid the same mess. Not Calling the Water Department…
Leveling your house might not be the most exciting part of building, but skip it—or half-do it—and you’ll be paying for it in repairs later. Everything in your house depends on a stable, even foundation. I’ve seen what happens when people try to build fast and cheap. These are the things that usually fail first…