When it comes to roof leaks, flashing is often the primary culprit. Flashing seals the joints where the roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, and other penetrations, and when it fails, water can easily find its way into your home. Many homeowners encounter intermittent leaks specifically around areas where shingles meet side walls or around roof … Read more

Wallpaper removal is one of those DIY projects that can range from straightforward to downright frustrating. How easy it is depends on how the wallpaper was originally applied and whether there are multiple layers or paint underneath. With the right tools, technique, and a little patience, you can save your walls and avoid starting from … Read more

This photo is full of surprises—some absurd, some hilarious—and we want your cleverest captions. The most entertaining caption will win a $50 Home Depot gift card. The rules are straightforward: 1. Enter as many times as you like. 2. Be original and creative. Invite your witty friends to join the contest; if one of them … Read more

When it comes to updating your home, a full renovation isn’t always necessary or practical. Cost, disruption, and time often deter homeowners from major projects, but there are many effective ways to modernize a space without tearing down walls or replacing floors. Smart interior upgrades focus on strategic improvements that enhance appearance, comfort, and function … Read more

If you’re a dedicated Matthew Gray Gubler fan, you probably know one of his favorite films is Home Alone. Imagine him buying this iconic house and turning it into his own spooky spectacle — he could easily outdo Kevin’s traps and would likely decorate it memorably for Halloween, based on his past ghoulish designs. The … Read more

The 4th of July is prime time for outdoor cooking. For years we stuck to grilling burgers and hot dogs, but this year we decided to try something different and smoke a pork butt on our new Brinkmann smoke-and-grill. The Brinkmann proved to be a capable cooker, and I made a few modifications I’ll describe … Read more

Hurricane season is here, and homeowners in low-lying or storm-prone areas should begin preparing their homes for high winds and heavy rain. If you plan to stay during a storm or your area is not under an evacuation order, protecting windows is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the risk … Read more

Every day, when the tide recedes, the ocean reveals small pockets of life along the shoreline. In shallow coastal areas, trapped seawater forms tide pools that host a remarkable variety of marine life—seaweeds, mussels, crabs, sea slugs, sea stars and many other creatures. These microhabitats offer a concentrated view of coastal biodiversity and attract people … Read more

If your toilet keeps running and nothing—jiggling the handle, polite requests, or waiting for a landlord—has fixed it, you can often resolve the problem yourself. A continuously running toilet is usually a straightforward repair once you know how the system works. Toilets are made of a few essential components: the tank, tank lever, fill valve, … Read more

The Helly Hansen Winter 2022/23 collection proved to be our go-to cold-weather gear for the whole family. From hiking Mount Hood to fishing at Bodega Bay, Helly Hansen kept us warm and dry through wet Pacific Northwest winters. Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand with more than 140 years of experience, designs outdoor clothing to keep … Read more