News
Smart Home Upgrades: Is a Self-Cleaning Toilet Worth It?
This self-cleaning toilet from American Standard may become the new standard.
Summer 2026 DIY Trends: Smart Technology and Sustainable Solutions Lead the Way for Homeowners
As summer kicks into full swing, homeowners across the nation are rolling up their sleeves for a new wave of DIY projects.
Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint Can Be Applied on Top of Existing Finishes
Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint Can Be Applied on Top of Existing FinisheS
The “Paper Clip Trick” for Clogged Showerheads (And Why It Actually Works)
Is your morning shower starting to feel more like a light drizzle? Before you call a plumber or shell out for a new showerhead, there's a surprisingly simple fix sitting right on your desk — a paper clip.
Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Every spring, after months of cold weather, we venture outside and start to notice things like a crack in the siding, sagging gutters, or a deck that looks years older than it did in September. Ignoring these signs costs money, often thousands of dollars more than catching them early.
An Unexpected Benefit of Cleaning Your Dryer Lint Trap
Most homeowners know they should clean their dryer lint trap, but few realize just how important it is—or how simple it can be. A clean lint trap helps your dryer run better, reduces energy use, and dramatically lowers the risk of dryer fires. And as a bonus, that fluffy grey lint you collect can actually be put to good use.
The 10-cent Trick for “Gliding” Windows
This Spring, instead of wrestling with windows that seem “painted shut” or grit-locked from winter, you can save a few of those precious hours with a 10-cent secret that professional restorers have used for decades: The Window Wax Hack.
Choosing the Right Sheen for your Spring 2026 Palette
A Guide to Paint Sheens One thing most people don’t realize is that sheen actually changes the color of the paint, even if it’s from the exact same can.
The $2 Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed
When you think of a pool noodle, you probably picture summer afternoons and lazy days at the pool. But for the savvy homeowner, that neon foam tube is actually one of the most versatile tools in the shed.
Erase Scratches with Furniture Touch-Up Markers
Have you ever heard the saying, “Life Happens”? Whether it’s a moving day mishap, a vacuum cleaner collision, or a very excited puppy running around your home, nicks and scratches are inevitable in daily household life.
A Winter Mudroom Hack
Anyone who has endured a Northeast winter—or frankly, any February worth its salt—knows the ritual. You step inside, peel off your slush‑soaked boots, and drop them into a plastic tray only to find a few hours later that the soles are still wet, cold, and sitting in a shallow pool of murky meltwater. So, how do you avoid the “Mudroom Puddle”?
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat at Night to Save Money?
Recently, the HouseCalls team has been buzzing with questions about managing thermostats and what temperature is best to balance comfort and cost. Here are the questions we have been asked most often recently—and the surprising facts every homeowner should know.
Have you tried the ‘Lemon Steam’ trick yet?
Did you know that over 90% of American households still rely on a microwave every single day? As the temperatures drop, our microwaves officially enter their peak season.
Do You Know How To Save 10% on Heating?
Well regarded among energy companies and the Marion Institute, running your ceiling fan in reverse “can actually save you up to 10% on heating costs this winter” by recirculating pooled warm air.
A Clever Drywall Trick Every DIYer Should Know
Drywall has a surprisingly cool origin story: it was invented as a fire‑resistant alternative to traditional lath‑and‑plaster walls.
