Writer, editor, dog lover
New tile can instantly transform a bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash or exterior wall, and there’s no shortage of options. Indeed, tile comes in countless shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Ceramic, porcelain, cement, granite and glass are just a few tile materials on the market today. Each tile has a unique aesthetic: Subway tile, for example, lends itself well to a kitchen, while rock pebble tile gives a bathroom a spa-like atmosphere.
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There’s a good chance you’ve recently rolled up your sleeves and taken on a home improvement yourself.
Eight out of 10 homeowners have tackled at least one DIY project since the start of the pandemic, an Angi survey found. Furthermore, spending for home improvements and repairs is expected to peak this year, according to a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. In 2019, the most recent year JCHS has data for, homeowners spent an average of $3,300 on improvements and $820 on maintenance.
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“Renovating my house was a piece of cake,” said no one ever. Indeed, even seemingly simple projects, like installing a screen door, staining hardwood floors, or refacing kitchen cabinets, can surprise homeowners with unexpected challenges and ever-escalating costs. And the problems multiply if you make certain all-too-common mistakes.
We’re not trying to discourage you from renovating your house, but if you’re planning to give your house a face-lift, be sure to avoid these seven renovation fumbles.
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Think you don’t have the time to tackle a home improvement project? Good news: There are a number of easy renovations you can do in one day — without the help (or cost) of a handyman or contractor. Here are four that you can do with just a few basic tools.
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It’s no secret a kitchen appliance is a major purchase. So you might be surprised to learn some of these clever money-saving tips from industry insiders.
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Every homeowner makes mistakes. 
The real trouble, however, starts when these blunders become habits that cost a lot of money over time. Some behaviors also create safety issues.
If you’re guilty of these bad habits, break them — pronto.
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Ah, the joys — and burdens — of 
becoming a homeowner.
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but after you’ve completed the purchase and moved in, you’re responsible for maintenance. In other words, you no longer have a landlord to fix that running toilet or leaky faucet.
The upside? Having a few essentials in your toolbox can help you make some common repairs yourself. Being your own jack-of-all-trades can also help you save money, as repair people typically charge about $60 to $65 an hour, according to HomeAdvisor. But you don’t want to cheap out on tools, home improvement expert Bob Vila says.
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No matter what we’re shopping for, 
few of us like sticking to a budget. But when you’re doing a major home remodeling project, knowing precisely how much money you have to spend and staying within that budget is crucial.
“As contractors, we design our projects to our clients’ budgets,” says J.P. Ward, architect and vice president of business development at Anthony Wilder Design/Build in Cabin John, Md. “Homeowners need to know what their budget is upfront and be realistic about what they can afford.”
Considering a big home renovation? Here’s how to set your priorities, establish a spending limit and stick to your budget.
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On frigid winter days, sometimes you 
just want to hunker down at home and stay warm. Sounds cozy, right? Well, good luck doing that in a house full of drafts.
Drafts, or air leaks, can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. In addition to making your space uncomfortable, drafts can drive up your energy bills — as your heating system goes into overdrive to keep your home warm — and even create health risks.
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Daniel Bortz 