Not all firewood is created equal. I used to think if it was dry and fit in the fireplace, it was fair game—but I learned the hard way that some wood can clog up your chimney, smoke out your house, or even release toxic fumes. Now I’m picky about what I burn. These are the…
If you’ve ever had a wasp buzz past your face while you’re trying to sip coffee or watch your kids play, you know how fast a peaceful porch can turn into a battleground. I used to wait until nests showed up to deal with them—big mistake. These days, I stay ahead of the problem. It…
When it’s time to sell, your backyard can be a deal-maker—or a deal-breaker. Buyers walk out there and start imagining themselves hosting cookouts, letting the kids run around, or kicking back at the end of the day. If the space feels finished and functional, they’re going to assign more value to your home—whether they realize…
I’ve had mice sneak their way into everything from the shed to the kitchen pantry—and once even under the stove. Traps help, sure, but the real trick is making your space somewhere they don’t want to be in the first place. Strong smells throw them off and make them turn right back around. I use…
I’ve dealt with my fair share of ant invasions—kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, even my laundry room of all places. And after trying all kinds of sprays and traps, I started leaning into what actually works long-term: smells ants can’t stand. These scents are easy to use around the house, don’t involve chemicals, and honestly keep…
A heavy rain shouldn’t mean soggy baseboards, a musty crawlspace, or water dripping into your window tracks. If your house is set up right, it should shed water and keep it out—plain and simple. But too many folks don’t think about it until water’s already made its way in. These are the things we check…
Buying your first home is exciting, but it doesn’t take long to find out what needs fixing. Some issues are cosmetic and can wait. Others need your attention right away to keep your house safe, functional, and in good shape for the long haul. These are the first repairs I’d tackle if I were walking…
Before you stick that “For Sale” sign in the yard, take a hard look at your place. Buyers notice the little stuff, and if they see problems, they start wondering what else is wrong. Fixing a few key things now can save you from price drops or deals falling through later. Here’s what to tackle…