A First-Timer’s Guide to Tiling a Kitchen Backsplash

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A step-by-step starter guide to installing a simple kitchen backsplash: tools, layout, cutting, setting, grouting and when to call a tile pro.

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Posted in Kitchen and Bath

What to Do If Your Sump Pump Stops Working

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A step-by-step guide to troubleshooting a sump pump that stops working, from outlet and float checks to when to call a licensed plumber.

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Posted in Maintenance

Mistakes to Avoid When Planting a Tree

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Planting too deep, mulch volcanoes, skipped watering and other common tree-planting mistakes, and how to get a young tree through its first years.

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Posted in Outdoor and Garden

What People Get Wrong About Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Seven common luxury vinyl plank installation mistakes, from skipping acclimation to tight perimeter gaps, and how to avoid them in your home.

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Posted in Flooring and Walls

A Timeline for Water Heater Care

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A maintenance timeline for water heaters: monthly checks, TPR valve testing, annual flushing and the signs that mean it is time to call a plumber.

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Posted in Energy and Utilities

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Lumber

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Avoid the most common lumber-buying mistakes: misreading grade stamps, missing moisture marks, ignoring warp and mixing up nominal and actual sizes.

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Posted in Tools and Materials

A Timeline for Lawn Care From Spring to Fall

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A month-by-month cool-season lawn care schedule covering mowing height, fertilizing, aeration, overseeding, watering and the tasks to skip each season.

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Posted in Outdoor and Garden

What to Check Before You Buy a Window Air Conditioner

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A pre-purchase checklist for window air conditioners: measure the window and room, size the Btu rating, check your outlet and compare the energy labels.

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Posted in Energy and Utilities

Carpet Terms to Know Before You Shop

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A plain-English glossary of carpet terms: pile types, fibers, face weight, density, twist, warranties, pad and stain claims to compare before you buy.

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Posted in Flooring and Walls

Gas or Electric Pressure Washer? A Side-by-Side Comparison

By Home Improvement Need Staff

Gas and electric pressure washers compared on power, noise, fumes, maintenance and price, so you can match the machine to your decks, siding and patios.

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Posted in Tools and Materials

Corded vs. Cordless Drill: Which One Fits Your Projects?

By Home Improvement Need Staff

A side-by-side comparison of corded and cordless drills covering power, runtime, weight, cost and safety, so first-time buyers can pick the right tool.

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Posted in Tools and Materials